France captain Patrick Vieira looks set to overcome a hamstring strain and play in the Euro 2008 qualifier with Italy on Saturday, but his club Inter have doubts about his fitness.
The midfielder has missed the start of the Serie A season because of the injury but is desperate to play on his home ground in the vital Group B match.
“In the last week Patrick has only done physiotherapy and athletic work without touching a ball,” Inter fitness coach Ivan Carminati told the Gazzetta dello Sport Web site.
“To play on Saturday would be a big leap. I trust the professionalism of everyone.”
Vieira said last week that although he hoped to be fit to face Italy, but his priority was to ensure he was available for next week’s encounetr against Scotland.
“Vieira’s physical problem is disappearing,” France coach Raymond Domenech was quoted as saying by Gazzetta.
“Patrick is better but it is him who will decide if he plays. I am not a doctor, in 14 years I have never risked a player.”
