Didier Drogba is still rated as doubtful for Marseille’s UEFA Cup final encounter with Valencia on Wednesday.
However, coach Jose Anigo is hopeful his star striker will play through the pain barrier.
“I feel better than last Sunday but I am still suffering,” he declared.
“On Saturday, I had very good feelings at the start of the training session, but I had pain when I kicked the ball.
“(If the match was) today, I could not play the match.
“Even if I know it is a very important match, I won’t put my health in peril and I won’t play at only 50 percent.
“I don’t want to penalise my team-mates.”
However, Anigo sounded more optimistic about the chances of Drogba playing.
“There are still four days and his comeback on the pitch is encouraging,” said Anigo.
“He needs to be reassured, to know the injury can’t get worse.
“On the medical level, there is almost nothing left, he has to play with pain.
“Perhaps he won’t play another final in his life, he knows that.
“He must force himself for him and for the club.”
