Coach Domenech says striker Henry still doubtful for Israeli game
PARIS: France coach Raymond Domenech admitted on Sunday that star striker Thierry Henry was fit to play against Switzerland in their Group Four 2006 World Cup qualifier but was sidelined to avoid any risk of injury.
Switzerland escaped with a lucky 0-0 draw at the Stade de France as a Henry-less France team failed to convert a series of golden scoring opportunities.
The result left the former world and European champions in second place in the group, behind Ireland, and ahead of Israel with all teams on nine points after five matches.
Henry was among a few players who were fighting for match fitness, but Domenech said he did not want to risk the Arsenal striker, who had picked up a calf strain when they crashed out of the Champions League at the hands of Bayern Munich two weeks ago.
“It was me who decided not to take the risk,” conceded Domenech, who has not seen France win at home in the three World Cup qualifiers they have played at the Stade de France so far.
“Titi (Henry) wanted to take the risk but I refused because it might have left him becoming unavailable for another month, which would be stupid.”
Domenech added: “We did a scan which showed that he really didn't have anything wrong with him. And he trained for the match more or less like the rest of the squad.
“But for me, he was still a little short (of match fitness).”
France will now play Israel tomorrow hopping to claim their third away win of the qualifying campaign, having beaten the Faroe Islands and Cyprus on their previous trips.
However, Domenech said Henry was still uncertain for the match in Tel Aviv, against an Israeli team who held group leaders the Republic of Ireland to a 1-1 draw on Saturday.
“There’s no guarantee he will play on Wednesday. This morning (Sunday) he was with the physiotherapist again. We’ll have a training session on Monday, then we’ll see on Tuesday after the final training session.”
Domenech, meanwhile, has called up Olympique Marseille striker Steve Marlet to replace injured Sidney Govou for tomorrow's match against Israel.
It is the first time the 31-year-old Marlet has been picked by Domenech, who took over the team after last year’s European Championship.
Whatever happens with Henry, France have to get their qualifying campaign back on track.
Group Four has emerged as one of the tightest of the eight in the Europe zone of qualifying.
With Ireland, France and Israel all on nine points, Switzerland – who have six but a game in hand – remain in contention. – Agencies
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