Blaise Matuidi: 'We need Franck Ribery'

France international midfielder Blaise Matuidi has admitted that Les Bleus need Franck Ribery to be fit for this summer's World Cup.

The Bayern Munich winger is currently struggling with a back problem, but has been included in the 23-man squad for the tournament.

Goal.com quotes Matuidi as saying: "We hope he will be fit, because Franck is a great player - we know we need him, we are all aware of it. Mentally he's with us and I hope he'll be there.

"I'm not a doctor but I know that mentally Franck Ribery is fine.

"You noticed that he did not train but the staff are doing everything in their power to make him ready for the last friendly [against Jamaica on June 8] or for the first game of the World Cup."

Didier Deschamps's side kick off their World Cup campaign with a clash against Honduras on June 15.