France get Henry boost
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FRANCE coach Raymond Domenech has received a boost ahead of next month's World Cup showdown after his skipper, Thierry Henry, was declared fit to travel with Barcelona to this evening's La Liga clash with Osasuna, WRITES DANIEL McDONNELL.
Henry has missed the last four games with his club due to a slight muscle tear suffered while on international duty with France earlier this month. There had been suggestions that the niggling problem could put his participation in the World Cup decider in doubt.
However, the ex-Arsenal man has been given the all-clear to travel to Pamplona although it remains to be seen if he will start the match with young sharpshooter Pedro in flying form.
Domenech is already without Franck Ribery, while Real Madrid frontman Karim Benzema has also been in the wars although he has recovered from a minor setback.
Giovanni Trapattoni is respectful of the attacking options available to the French.
"Up front, they have four or five strikers," said Trapattoni. "Gignac is a good scorer but maybe he does not play? We do not know. We know they are strong but they arrived in second place like Ireland and we have to think about this."
Irish Independent
