Clichy blow for France

By Liam Mackey

Wednesday, November 04, 2009

FRANCE have suffered another setback ahead of their World Cup play-off against the Republic of Ireland with the loss of Arsenal defender Gael Clichy to a back injury.

Although Clichy was an unlikely starter in Dublin or Paris, he did provide French manager Raymond Domenech with reliable cover in the left-back position behind Manchester United’s Patrice Evra and Barcelona’s Eric Abidal.

Clichy, who played for Arsenal in their 3-0 victory over Spurs on Saturday, is due to have a scan on the injury but Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is already pessimistic about the player’s chances of making a quick recovery.

"We fear a stress fracture of the back and if that is the case he’ll be out for a few weeks," said Wenger.

French boss Domenech will name his squad for the November 14 and 18 games against Ireland tomorrow.

This story appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Wednesday, November 04, 2009