Clichy blow for France

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.