Germany`s Philipp Kohlschreiber set for Davis Cup return

Berlin: Philipp Kohlschreiber will return to Germany`s Davis Cup team for their World Group first round match against France on March 6-8, new team captain Michael Kohlmann confirmed on Tuesday.

Kohlschreiber has not played for the German team for a year after being snubbed by Kohlmann`s predecessor, Carsten Arriens, but will return to face last year`s finalists France.

"I immediately made one of my first conversations with Philip and it was a very good talk. He wants to do everything to help the team," said Kohlmann, who was appointed earlier this month after Arriens was sacked.

Germany face France in Frankfurt, where they beat Spain 4-1 last year, but were booed by their own crowd after injuries meant they had to forfeit the final singles rubber, much to the home crowd`s disgust.

"We just want the crowd in Frankfurt to convey a bit of optimism, I`m sure the French will not underestimate us," said Kohlmann.

"Although we`re the underdogs, I am sure we`ll have our chance."

The French will be without Gael Mofils, who is struggling for form and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who has an arm injury.

The winner of the tie will face Great Britain or the United States in the quarter-finals.