• Euro 2012

Mixed injury update for France

ESPN staff
June 7, 2012
France have a few selection issues in midfield © PA Photos
Enlarge

France coach Laurent Blanc has delivered a mixed injury update, with Alou Diarra seemingly winning his fitness battle but Blaise Matuidi and Yann M'Vila still struggling.

France open up their Euro 2012 campaign with a game against England described by Les Bleus legend Patrick Vieira as being of vital importance. Blanc's men have travelled to Poland and Ukraine on the back of a 21-game unbeaten run, but concerns have been raised over their defensive stability.

Added to the concerns in defence, Blanc's defensive-midfield options are up in the air with Matuidi, M'Vila and Diarra carrying problems of varying degrees.

Matuidi (hamstring) and M'Vila (ankle) missed training once again on Thursday, but it would appear Diarra could be in the frame to face England.

Commenting on Diarra's injury, Blanc said: "It's not as bad as we feared. We'll be careful but it's not a big concern."

The early impressions of their camp in Donetsk are positive, as Blanc said: "Everything has gone well. The flight went well and we settled in quickly last night - the conditions are excellent."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close