Domenech waits on Gallas fitness

France coach Raymond Domenech is confident William Gallas will be fit for the World Cup.

The defender, whose contract with Arsenal expires this summer, has been troubled by a calf injury and is battling to make the plane to South Africa.

Although he won’t be risked in Wednesday’s friendly against Costa Rica, his performances at a training camp in Tignes have cheered the French boss.

Domenech told TF1: “After what we saw in training we can be optimistic.

“It is not the same in a game, however, and with the calf we must be careful.

“We want him to be ready for the World Cup.”

Barcelona defender Eric Abidal is another hoping 32-year-old Gallas pulls through.

He told the Journal du Dimanche: “It is better for us if William is fit.

“He is important and the opposing forwards think differently when he plays. They know they have a mountain to climb.”

Domenech outlined his intention to give Gallas as much time as possible by including him in his reduced 24-man squad which then became 23 when Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra was forced to pull out with a stomach problem.