No World Cup assurances for Henry

Raymond Domenech has refused to give assurances over Thierry Henry’s place in France’s 23-man squad for this summer’s World Cup finals in South Africa.

The 32-year-old Barcelona forward was in the squad for France’s last game against Spain, but there are no guarantees he will make the final cut for the World Cup, despite having controversially helped Les Bleus reach the finals in the play-off victory over the Republic of Ireland.

Domenech told French television show Canal Football Club: “It is a question that would arise on May 11 (the date of the initial squad announcement).”

Henry was a member of the World Cup-winning squad in 1998 and the Euro 2000-winning team and has scored 51 times in 118 appearances for France.

But his place is in jeopardy due to his limited playing time at Barcelona coupled with the wide array of attacking options at Domenech’s disposal.

“I have deep respect for great players. Thierry has been, is (a great player). He does not play, but he is at Barcelona and he plays in a big competition,” added the coach.

“But I cannot help ’Titi’ in this way.”

Another potential striker for France is Nicolas Anelka of Chelsea.

Anelka has been critical of Domenech’s regime, but the coach insisted he accepts comments from senior squad members.

“I do not take it as an attack,” said Domenech.

“When those who speak are the players within the senior players, I’m happy, they are the ones who will save the team.”