'France don't have another Ribery'

France coach Didier Deschamps has said that it will take some time for them to replace a player of Franck Ribery’s class.

The Bayern Munich winger retired from international football after missing last year’s World Cup with a back injury.

Deschamps concedes that Les Bleus have missed the 32-year-old as they prepare to host Euro 2016, but said he supports his decision to call time on his France career.

“There are not 10 other Franck Riberys out there,” Deschamps told L’Equipe.

“This is someone who is a potential Ballon d'Or, a world class player who was already a finalist in the World Cup in 2006. We cannot replace that kind of player overnight.”

Ribery has not appeared for Bayern since March as injury problems continue to dog him and he is now awaiting tests on an ankle problem. 

“He has accumulated lots of injuries and, today, the most important thing is for him to rediscover the pleasures of playing football,” Deschamps added, before refuting any suggestions Ribery may have exaggerated his previous back problem in order to sit out of the World Cup in Brazil.

“It was said that his injury before the World Cup was diplomatic, but he didn’t play again before the end of September. So I do not ask myself about that.”

Next month will see France continue their preparations for Euro 2016 with clashes against Portugal and Serbia.