Blanc: Cabaye return is crucial

Head coach Laurent Blanc has hailed the impact of Newcastle United midfielder Yohan Cabaye as France prepare for their UEFA EURO 2012 quarter-final with Spain in Donetsk. After the 2-0 defeat by Sweden in Kiev on Tuesday, a big plus will be the return of Cabaye, who was rested against the Swedes after impressing in the 1-1 draw with England and 2-0 victory over Ukraine. Blanc 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. He has been an important player for a while now - both with his club and the national side." Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny is poised to replace the suspended Philippe Mexes, with Blanc confident the 26-year-old will be up to the task. He said: "It is a big chance for him. When a player doesn't play, you are always disappointed and I know the feeling from my own experiences. "But we have only three central defenders and I always said that if we got through the group that Laurent would have a role to play. It is a chance for him. He will be very well prepared, was very close to getting into the starting XI, and now that will happen."