France forward Antoine Griezmann is hopeful that Karim Benzema and Matieu Valbuena will both return to the international fold in time for this summer’s European Championships on home soil.

Real Madrid forward Benzema is currently suspended from national team duty, following his alleged involvement in a bribery scandal against Lyon playmaker Valbuena.

The 28-year-old was not included in the Les Bleus squad for the November internationals against Germany and England and he has been told by the French FA that he will not be considered for selection until the outcome of his case becomes clear.

Valbuena was also overlooked for the last set of international fixtures, but Atletico Madrid forward Griezmann hopes both players can return for Les Bleus ahead of Euro 2016.

He said: “I hope they will both return. They are two important players for us, on the field and off. We need them.”

The 24-year-old believes that the duo would be able to put their personal problems behind them if they were selected for the squad, as they would both have the same goal of trying to secure European glory for Didier Deschamps side.

He continued: “They would both have the same goal at Euro 2016, to win, so I think they would put that above everything. But what has happened has happened, we will see where it leads.”

France have been drawn in Group A for the competition alongside Romania, Albania and Switzerland, and they are available at 1.36 to win the group. They are also on offer at 1.02 to secure qualification for the knockout stages.