Desailly blow for France

England's chances against France in their Euro 2004 clash next month received a boost today after their opponents were dealt a potentially massive injury blow to captain Marcel Desailly.

The 36-year-old Chelsea centreback hurt his left knee when playing against Brazil last Thursday and is now a major doubt for the opening group match with England in Lisbon on 13 June.

Desailly has been receiving intensive treatment at the French training camp in the south of France and has already missed at least two sessions to have treatment.

France coach Jacques Santini at first thought the injury was not too serious. But French insiders believe Desailly has only a 50 per cent chance of playing unless the problem responds well in the next few days.

Santini has been told the injury will need eight to ten days to heal and that may well leave Desailly short of the necessary fitness to face England.

Although Desailly has had a mediocre season for Chelsea, Santini rates him highly and sees him as the cornerstone of France's challenge to successfully defend the title they won four years ago.