France Coach Raymond Domenech 'Very, Very Worried' That Arsenal's William Gallas Will Not Be Fit For World Cup 2010

Posted Saturday, April 03, 2010 by Goal.com

Gunners star out for rest of Premier League season with calf injury...

France boss Raymond Domenech has admitted his concern with regards to the fitness of centre-back William Gallas following the calf injury he sustained during Arsenal's 2-2 draw with Barcelona in the Champions League.

Gallas, who had originally been rated a major doubt for Wednesday's quarter-final first leg at the Emirates Stadium, managed to start for Arsene Wenger's side against the Catalans although had to be stretchered off early on having aggravated a calf problem.

Wenger has since admitted that he made a mistake in gambling with Gallas' fitness and Domenech has now revealed that he is "very, very worried" that the injury may disrupt France's preparations for the 2010 World Cup.

"I am very, very worried," he told L'Equipe.

"I know about that kind of calf injury and I know the possible consequences and things you must not do, such as resume playing too early.

"After a relapse, you often have to stay calm for five to six weeks without really running. Even if you don't feel any pain it is not completely cured."

Gallas' chances of turning out for France in South Africa could be further hampered by Domenech's insistence that any players hoping to be called up to Les Bleus' squad must be fit and raring to go by mid-May.

"It is clear that a player who will not be in a position to play by 18th May will not come to the World Cup," he added.

"I will not ask them to have played matches, only to be able to play and prepare."