Laurent Blanc: Yohan Cabaye is "indispensible"

By Pascal Lemesre, Football League Editor | 23 June 2012

France coach Laurent Blanc describes Newcastle United midfielder Yohan Cabaye as "indispensible" ahead of Les Bleus' quarter-final against Spain.

France coach Laurent Blanc has described midfielder Yohan Cabaye as "indispensible" ahead of Les Bleus' quarter-final meeting with Spain.

The French take on the defending champions at the Donbass Arena this evening after finishing second in Group D and Blanc has labelled Newcastle United's Cabaye as one of his most important players.

The former Manchester United centre-back said: "Cabaye is indispensable in terms of how he played in the first two games in the competition, absolutely.

"We know players like Cabaye bring a lot to the team. You realise how much players like that bring when they are not actually there.

"He has such great technical ability which really helps the side, gives us a bit more assurance, because we can keep the ball and move it about."

Blanc, 46, has only one selection headache ahead of the game in Donetsk, with centre-back Philippe Mexes suspended.

Arsenal's Laurent Koscielny is expected to take the Milan man's place alongside Adil Rami in the heart of the back four.