Coupet out, Gallas back as France face Faroes

PARIS, Oct 9 (Reuters) France will be without injured goalkeeper Gregory Coupet but should have defender William Gallas back in the side when they face the Faroe Islands in their Euro 2008 Group B qualifier in Sochaux on Wednesday.

Despite losing 1-0 to Scotland in Glasgow on Saturday, the World Cup runners-up should return to winning ways against the side ranked 179th in the FIFA world rankings.

France beat the Faroes 2-0 away and 3-0 at home during the qualifying round for the 2006 World Cup finals and there is no reason to suspect they won't win by at least a couple of goals again on wednesday.

Coupet has injured a hand and will almost certainly be replaced by Paris St Germain goalkeeper Mickael Landreau who will win his fourth cap if he plays as expected.

Fiorentina goalkeeper Sebastien Frey has been called into the squad as cover but coach Raymond Domenech had some good news yesterday when Gallas, having recovered from a thigh injury, resumed training with the rest of the squad and should start the match.

Domenech could also make other changes following the defeat in Scotland with off-form Franck Ribery, who was replaced by Sylvain Wiltord with 16 minutes to play in Glasgow, losing his starting spot to the Olympique Lyon striker.

MORE PACE Mancester United's Louis Saha, who replaced David Trezeguet after 63 minutes on Saturday, could also start on Wednesday in place of Trezeguet as France look for some more pace in attack.

France are second in Group B with six points from three matches, three behind leaders Scotland who have nine points from three straight wins.

''We can't afford to give points away like we did in Scotland,'' said captain Patrick Vieira.

''Against the Faroe Islands and against so-called little sides, teams like Italy, Scotland or Ukraine have to win.'' ''We made the mistake of playing the way the Scots wanted us to,'' said midfielder Claude Makelele. ''We must avoid repeating the same mistake again.'' France have the chance to go back on top of the standings if they chalk up a big win against the Faroes and Scotland lose in Ukraine.

''I have always said that this is going to be a tough qualifying campaign,'' said Domenech. ''Our defeat proves it but it gives me some extra energy to lift up this challenge.'' The Faroes, who have lost all three games with a goal tally of 0-13 will be keen to keep the score down against the French, but their coach Jogvan Martin Olsen is battling with injury worries ahead of the game.

He is hoping to start with most of those who only lost 1-0 at home to Lithuania on Saturday.

Reuters PDS DB1818