The Lyon star is a surprise inclusion in the squad after failing to make an appearance during the qualifying campaign. He made his international debut in 2004 in the friendly against Bosnia-Herzegovina but broke his foot at the start of the 2005-06 season. The 26-year-old moved to Lyon from Lille in June 2004 despite being linked with Paris St Germain and AC Milan. Abidal started his career with AS Lyon but made his name in Ligue 1 with Monaco which earned him a move to Lille in 2002 under coach Claude Puel. His favourite position is in the centre of defence and he is widely regarded to be the long-term successor to Lilian Thuram.