Desailly told his official website: "There is no problem for me at all. Santini works with continuity, something he has always done since his arrival. He gives priority to the collective side over the individual.
"The fact that I am captain and that I was likely to beat Didier's cap record could not influence Santini's decision.
"I have not played an official match since February 12, except the 10 minutes with Chelsea last Saturday and his decision is logical. I think that, after my injury, I need four consecutive matches to regain my level and as a consequence my place with the national team."
And this is Jaques Santini's take on things, "We didn't have any certainty about whether they would be able to play both matches against Malta and Israel. We were not reassured at all whether their form was worthy of international football.
"We contacted the players as well as Chelsea's medical staff, who told us of the elements which confirmed they couldn't play. I can understand that they will be disappointed, but nothing is easy in top-level football, especially in the France team."
At least they'll get a rest for a change!