Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas believes goalkeeper Hugo Lloris will be fit to feature for France in the World Cup qualifying play-offs against Ukraine.
The Portuguese coach was heavily criticized for his decision to leave Lloris on the pitch following the nasty clash with Romelu Lukaku a week ago, and the Frenchman has in turn missed the weekend’s match against Newcastle.
Villas-Boas says it was only a matter of precaution and he is confident the 26-year-old will be fit to face Sweden on Friday.
“The medical department felt it was probably a bit too soon. I expect he will be able to play for France.” said Villas-Boas.
“It’s a test they do, which they value a lot, called an impact test so I had to stick to what they said.
“Nothing has come to light; he is absolutely fine. The medical department advised us not to use the player. We followed rules.”
France face a tricky tie against in-form Ukraine in an attempt to qualify for the 2014 World Cup, with les Bleus 2.50 (3/2) to win in Kiev.
France squad
Goalkeepers: Mickael Landreau (Bastia), Hugo Lloris (Tottenham Hotspur), Steve Mandanda (Marseille).
Defenders: Eric Abidal (Monaco), Gael Clichy (Manchester City), Mathieu Debuchy (Newcastle United), Patrice Evra (Manchester United), Laurent Koscielny, Bacary Sagna (both Arsenal), Mamadou Sakho (Liverpool), Raphael Varane (Real Madrid).
Midfielders: Yohan Cabaye (Newcastle United), Clement Grenier (Lyon), Blaise Matuidi (Paris Saint-Germain), Rio Mavuba (Lille), Samir Nasri (Manchester City), Paul Pogba (Juventus), Moussa Sissoko (Newcastle United).
Forwards: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Olivier Giroud (Arsenal), Dimitri Payet (Marseille), Loic Remy (Newcastle United), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich), Mathieu Valbuena (Marseille).