Gallas a doubt for France

France defender William Gallas is a minor doubt for their second World Cup Group A game after missing training with a muscular problem.

The Arsenal player, France’s best remaining specialist centre-back, sat out yesterday’s session and was being assessed before training today ahead of Thursday’s clash with Mexico.

Gallas was partnered at the back by Barcelona’s Eric Abidal, a left-back by nature who can play centrally, in the disappointing 0-0 draw with Uruguay in Cape Town on Friday.

Gallas – who was reportedly angered to be overlooked for the captaincy which went to Patrice Evra – is thought to have only experienced slight muscle discomfort and was rested in training as a precaution.

France coach Raymond Domenech is reportedly set to restore Florent Malouda to his starting line-up having left him on the bench against Uruguay.