France

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Makelele won't rule Vieira out

06 Jun 2008 - 16:27:34

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Veteran midfielder Claude Makelele remains confident France captain Patrick Vieira will be able to play some part in Euro 2008 despite struggling with a thigh injury.

The Internazionale star has to decide by Sunday whether he is fit enough to feature in the tournament after being ruled out of Monday's opening Group C game against Romania.

Vieira took part in his first training session of the week on Thursday and Makelele said: "He trained yesterday because he's feeling better and better.

"Now he has to minimise the risks he takes and make a decision. He has three days in which to do so.

"If he can't play it wouldn't change anything, it's on the pitch where there would be a difference. But nothing is done. Patrick hasn't gone just yet."

Mathieu Flamini is on standby if Vieira is ruled out.

Meanwhile, Thierry Henry and Franck Ribery were forced to pull out of training on Thursday. Henry limped off to undergo treatment on a sciatic nerve problem, while Ribery has an ankle injury.