Vieira improving but Ribéry takes knock

There was mixed news for France on Thursday as captain Patrick Vieira returned to full training after recovering from a thigh strain only for fresh doubts to surface surrounding the fitness of Franck Ribéry.

Swift return
Vieira was thought to have little chance of recovering in time to face Romania in France's opening Group C encounter on Monday having missed a week's training and played no part in the last two preparation games. Yet the presence of the FC Internazionale Milano midfielder in Chatel-Saint Denis, where Les Bleus took part in their first training session since arriving in Switzerland, has raised hopes of the 31-year-old making a swift return.

Extra training
Mathieu Flamini was called up as a potential replacement for Vieira earlier this week, but the services of the new AC Milan signing will not be required if his former Arsenal FC club-mate continues his speedy recovery. Vieira, who had been restricted to cycling and light jogging in the last few days, participated fully in the hour-long session and even returned for extra training afterwards along with William Gallas, Claude Makelele, Patrice Evra and Flamini. Should Vieira fail to regain full fitness in time for the opening game, Olympique Lyonnais midfielder Jérémy Toulalan would be expected to start.

Ribéry problem
While a crowd of around 2,000 French supporters greeted the arrival of Vieira and the rest of his squad-mates on the pitch with a raucous cheer, there was concern when Ribéry split from the group after ten minutes to follow his own separate training programme. The FC Bayern München winger received a knock to his right ankle in Tuesday’s friendly win over Colombia and still appears to be feeling some discomfort. He returned to the dressing room for treatment 15 minutes later and was accompanied by Thierry Henry, although the FC Barcelona striker’s early withdrawal was believed to be precautionary.