Former French captain William Gallas is a doubt for Les Bleus second group game, against Mexico on Thursday, having picked up what was described as a “muscular” problem.

Second-choice goalkeeper Cedric Carrasso also pulled out of Monday’s training session.

Coach Raymond Domenech’s selection may depend as much upon who is, or isn’t, talking to whom within the camp.

 

Chelsea’s Florent Malouda has had to deny that he was left on the substitutes’ bench because of a row with the under-fire Domenech. Malouda said:

“It may appear surprising to you, but it was a defensive choice.” Malouda added that although he was told after the team meal, “it didn’t affect my digestion.”

Indeed, reports are emanating from the French camp that Malouda may start against Mexico.

1998 World Cup winner Zinedine Zidane blamed France’s opening day struggles on too much individuality within the team. He told Canal+:

“We need this team to play together. The problem is that we have seen too many individuals. It is the collective that gets results.”

Meanwhile, full-back Eric Abidal has identified the Mexico match as a must-win, claiming that “Against Mexico we must play for a win and nothing less. In 2006, it was the same.”