Deschamps calls up Barca new boy for Koscielny’s absence

Paris, Sep 2 The French Football Federation confirmed Monday that Arsenal centre back Laurent Koscielny has been forced to skip this week's international friendlies of France with a head injury.

The 28-year-old clashed with Jeffrey Schlupp in the Gunners' 1-1 English Premier League draw at Leicester City Sunday and had to be replaced by Calum Chambers in the 26th minutes, reports Xinhua.

Barcelona new signing Jeremy Mathieu will take the place of Koscielny for France's international at home against Spain Thursday and three days later to Serbia.

Mathieu, a 31-year-old defender who moved to the Camp Nou from Valencia during the close-season, has made just two international appearances.