Nabil Fekir is back in the France squad for the first time since September 2015. JEFF PACHOUD/AFP/Getty Images

Nabil Fekir is "a bit like [Lionel] Messi," according to France international and Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny.

Fekir, 23, was recalled to the France squad by Didier Deschamps for the first time since September 2015 as he battled his way back to form and fitness following a serious knee injury suffered in a friendly against Portugal.

The Lyon academy graduate scored 13 goals in the 2014-15 Ligue 1 campaign, but could not participate in Euro 2016 as he continued his rehabilitation. However, he is back training with France ahead of a pair of World Cup qualifiers against Bulgaria and Netherlands.

"Nabil has got huge technical skills. He's a bit like Messi with his small steps when he runs with the ball in one-on-one," Koscielny said.

"He was slowed down a bit with his terrible injury, but he's slowly coming back to his best level. He's able to make a difference on the pitch, with a good one-on-one or with an assist or a goal.

"He's a young player who needs to be happy in his club and his national team. He's a very nice guy, so we hope he'll improve to become a great player."

France host Bulgaria on Oct. 7 and face the Netherlands away three days later as the early stages of UEFA World Cup qualifying continue.