Raymond Domenech has left captain Patrick Vieira out of his France squad to face the Republic of Ireland in their World Cup qualifying play-off this month.
The 33-year-old is struggling for first-team football at Inter Milan and even the experience of 107 caps was not enough to earn him a place.
Domenech named two uncapped players in his 24-man squad in the shape of 22-year-old Lyon defender Aly Cissokho and Cedric Carrasso, the Bordeaux goalkeeper.
The first leg is in Dublin on November 14 before the return leg in Paris four days later.
Domenech was at pains to stress Vieira remains in his plans, saying he expects the midfielder to play should his side reach South Africa.
He said: "I'm pleased that Pat is returning gradually to his highest level.
"I hope he plays regularly at the World Cup. He brings a lot of ability and experience."
Sissoko, also eligible to play for Senegal but born in France, is elated by his call-up.
"It's wonderful," he told L'Equipe.
"France is the team I've watched since I was little.
"It's a great reward for all the work I've done since the start of the season."
Sissoko owes his call-up to Gael Clichy's injury - and admits it came somewhat out of the blue.
"I did not think about it too much," he said.
"Like any player, I have the ambition to play for the national team. But it's still a surprise.
"Now I'll have to continue to work, and not rest on my laurels."
France squad to face the Republic of Ireland in the two-legged World Cup play-off on Saturday, November 14 and Wednesday, November 18:
Cedric Carrasso (Bordeaux), Hugo Lloris (Lyon), Steve Mandanda (Marseille); Eric Abidal (Barcelona), Aly Cissokho (Lyon), Julien Escude (Sevilla), Patrice Evra (Manchester United), Rod Fanni (Rennes), William Gallas, Bakary Sagna (both Arsenal), Sebastien Squillaci (Sevilla); Abou Diaby (Arsenal), Alou Diarra (Bordeaux), Lassana Diarra (Real Madrid), Yoann Gourcuff (Bordeaux), Florent Malouda (Chelsea), Moussa Sissoko (Toulouse), Jeremy Toulalan (Lyon); Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea), Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Andre-Pierre Gignac (Toulouse), Sidney Govou (Lyon), Thierry Henry (Barcelona), Loic Remy (Nice).
