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Vieira to stay with France

09 Jun 2008 - 16:29:10

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France will keep Patrick Vieira in their squad despite the midfielder missing their Group C opener against Romania on Monday with a thigh injury.

The Internazionale midfielder resumed training on Thursday but was not risked by coach Raymond Domenech for their opening encounter.

Vieira hopes to be fit for their second group game against the Netherlands on June 13.

The decision to keep the former Arsenal captain in the squad means potential replacement Mathieu Flamini has been told he will play no part in Euro 2008.

Speaking earlier in the week, Vieira revealed he was optimistic of overcoming his thigh problem in time to make an impact for Les Blues.

He said: "It is nothing serious, but unfortunately it has happened at a bad time because every day counts now and the tournament is approaching.

"I am still optimistic."