Fenerbahce's Nicolas Anelka has been handed a place in the French squad for the first time in three years.
Anelka has been in international exile ever since he refused a call-up from Jacques Santini to play against Yugoslavia in 2002.
The former Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City striker had admitted earlier this year that he was not expecting Raymond Domenech to call him up.
However, Domenech has indeed decided to include him for the forthcoming clashes with Costa Rica and Germany.
"Anelka is just one player selected for the matches against Costa Rica and Germany," he said.
"His game is fast, he has plenty of pace and I am interested in those qualities."
The 26-year-old, who has 28 caps to his name, made his debut for France in 1998 and has now been give real hope of making the World Cup finals next summer.
There was still no place for Arsenal's Robert Pires and Domenech has warned any player not involved, that time is running out.
"For those who don't seem concerned by the World Cup, it is finished," he said.
"The World Cup is six months away and players have to prove to me that they want to go.
"We have to prepare well and that is why we have arranged the two matches. It is important for the squad to be well prepared for the finals in Germany."
As promised, Domenech has left Zinedine Zidane on the sidelines as he recuperates from injury - while Fabien Barthez has been recalled after his long-term suspension came to an end..
Fabien Barthez (Marseille), Gregory Coupet (Lyon), Mickael Landreau (Nantes), Eric Abidal (Lyon), Jean-Alain Boumsong (Newcastle), William Gallas (Chelsea), Gael Givet (Monaco), Franck Jurietti (Bordeaux), Anthony Reveillere (Lyon), Willy Sagnol (Bayern Munich), Lilian Thuram (Juventus), Alou Diarra (Lens), Vikash Dhorasoo (Paris Saint Germain), Claude Makelele (Chelsea), Florent Malouda (Lyon), Jerome Rothen (Paris Saint Germain), Patrick Vieira (Juventus), Nicolas Anelka (Fenerbahce), Djibril Cisse (Liverpool), Thierry Henry (Arsenal), Sidney Govou (Lyon), David Trezeguet (Juventus), Sylvain Wiltord (Lyon)
anelka back in, hope vieira thuram an trez dont play much