Evra called up to France squad for injured Kurzawa

PARIS (AP) Veteran left back Patrice Evra has been called up to France's squad for Friday's World Cup qualifier against Sweden as a replacement for Layvin Kurzawa.

The 35-year-old Evra has 80 international caps and played every match at the European Championship, helping France reach the final.

But he has not played since the 1-0 defeat to Portugal on July 10, with coach Didier Deschamps giving preference to younger players ahead of the 2018 World Cup.

But Kurzawa has a groin problem and Deschamps recalled Evra on Monday.

France plays Sweden at Stade de France and then hosts Ivory Coast four days later in Lens.