France coach Laurent Blanc has cast further doubt over Yann M’Vila’s participation in France’s opening Euro 2012 clash with England.
M’Vila suffered an ankle sprain in last week’s friendly international with Serbia.
The 21-year-old, believed to be a transfer target for Arsenal, sustained the injury when tackled by Dusan Tadic early in the 2-0 win, and although he attempted to shake off the knock, he was unable to continue.
The Rennes man was an expected starter in Les Bleus’ midfield for the match with England, but Blanc is cautious about a premature return.
“I don’t know if he will play versus England,” Blanc said to reporters.
“He has a substantial injury, but we should be careful. The injury can move in the right direction in a few days.”
Speaking ahead of his team’s friendly against Estonia on Tuesday, Blanc said he wanted a good performance from his side.
“It is very difficult for me to confirm whether the team that starts tomorrow against Estonia will be the same one that will start against England on June 11,” Blanc said.
“We still have the same goal and objective – to progress past the first round, to reach the quarter-finals and then see where we go from there.
“For us, we want to play well during the friendlies and to have that confidence and conviction in order to achieve our objectives.”
France attacker Florent Malouda said it was important for his side to take the clash against Estonia seriously.
“The most important thing is to keep doing what we are doing, but we still have to increase our level and build up our confidence ahead of the tournament,” Malouda said.
“Of course, the competition itself is always different compared to the friendly games.
“It is essential to enforce good practice, whatever the opposition or match.”
Source : http://www.soccernews.com/blanc-unsure-over-m%c2%b4vila-fitness/95877/
