Karim Benzema's return to the France national team is not out of the question, according to French FA president Noel Le Graet, viaMarca.
The Real Madrid forward hasn't been considered for international selection following his alleged involvement in the blackmailing sex-tape scandal involving his compatriot Mathieu Valbuena.
Didier Deschamps left Benzema out of his Euro 2016 squad and Benzema hasn't made an appearance for Les Blues since 2015 but, La Graet has said, that doesn't mean he will never return.
'BBC' have now scored a combined 250 goals in Spanish domestic games since Bale's debut in Sept 2013
133 - Ronaldo
62 - Benzema
55 - Bale pic.twitter.com/dh4elwo5o3
"He isn't suspended and remains available for selection," he confirmed.
"If Didier [Deschamps] wants to pick him then he can do that, he has complete control.There is no problem with Benzema though and if he continues to play well, then he will be picked.
"On a sporting level, I have enormous respect for the guy.He is the top French scorer in European football and a regular starter with Real Madrid, which isn't easy in itself.
"The quality of the player on the field has never been up for debate."
Breaking: France national team announce that Benzema will be called up again in the squad pic.twitter.com/3YK4mzkxiR
Benzema has scored 13 goals in 31 appearances for Madrid this season and has an impressive record at international level as well, 27 goals to his name in 81 caps.
It remains to be seen if Deschamps picks up the phone and offers Benzema an avenue for an unlikely comeback. However, it should be noted that Les Blues did not appear to greatly miss his services en route to the Euro 2016 final, a run which saw Antoine Griezmann comfortably take up the mantle of goal-provider with six strikes.