Escude returns for France

Escude could be paired with Santoro

France have recalled Nicolas Escude to their squad for the Davis Cup final against Russia.

Escude missed his country's semi-final win over the US but returns for the final, which begins on 29 November at the Bercy indoor stadium on clay.

Escude joins Sebastien Grosjean, Arnaud Clement and Fabrice Santoro, while Michael Llodra misses out.

Paul-Henri Mathieu, who won two ATP titles in October, has been named as subsitute.

Llodra's absence means France captain Guy Forget must depend on a doubles pairing he has yet to use in this year's campaign.

Fabrice Santoro partnered Cedric Pioline, who has now retired, in the first round and Llodra in the quarter-final and semi-final.

He appears most likely to pair Santoro with Escude after the duo won the Paris Masters doubles event earlier this month.

Russia have already named their squad, with Marat Safin and Yevgeny Kafelnikov almost certain to play both singles and doubles.

Russia pick singles duo

Despite the greater strength in depth of his squad, Forget said Russia should be seen as favourites.

"They will start as favourites because of the greater experience of their players and their greater success at the highest levels and the fact that they are on form at the moment," said Forget.