Zidane ready to return

Zinedine Zidane will be back for France when they play their crucial World Cup match against Denmark on Tuesday.

The Real Madrid star has been passed fit to play by the French team doctor Jean-Marcel Ferret after missing the first two games with a thigh injury.

Ferret said in French newspaper Le Parisien: ‘‘Zidane has recovered, his injury is completely healed and he is ready to play against Denmark on Tuesday.

‘‘His injury had healed earlier in the week before the Uruguay game but it would have been too much of a risk to play him then.’’

Zidane will train with team-mates for the first time today after working out alone for the last few days.

Ferret added: ‘‘He has already started running again and kicking a ball but until now he can join the rest of the squad.’’

France desperately need the return of Zidane, the world’s most expensive player, and their playmaker.

Thierry Henry and Emmanuel Petit are suspended against Denmark in Incheon, Korea.

The reigning world champions need to beat them by two clear goals to qualify for the second round after disappointing results against Senegal, beaten 1-0, and Uruguay, who forced a goalless draw.