France pair could miss Germany game

France striker Candie Herbert and defender Corine Franco are doubtful for Thursday's UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2009™ Group B game against Germany after head injuries suffered in the 3-1 defeat of Iceland, with the forward finding it hard to sleep.

Double blow
Herbert, in particular, is almost certain to miss out after an aerial collision with Iceland's Gudrún Sóley Gunnarsdóttir left a deep cut above her brow. Franco's injury, the result of an accidental clash of heads with defensive colleague Laura Georges, appears less serious – though she, too, required stitches – but the Olympique Lyonnais player could also sit out the Germany match as a precautionary measure. France team doctor Claude Marble said: "It's going to be difficult. We will check their progress at regular intervals. If they play, they'll have to wear some kind of protection but, today, we're not sure if they can."

'Late' arrival
Neither player trained on Tuesday due to the nature of their respectives injuries. Of the second incident, FCF Hénin-Beaumont forward Herbert recalled: "I headed the ball and the Iceland defender arrived a little too late. I didn't sleep much last night, I fell asleep very late and I woke up a number of times through the night." France's team doctor and two physiotherapists were constantly on hand to ensure both players received the best possible care.

Fast recovery
With games coming thick and fast for France, the medical staff have their work cut out. "Recovery starts with hard work from the beginning," Dr Marble explained. "Our physical preparation started more than a month ago, with a reinforced medical follow-up. We tried to compensate any deficits with every individual player. I'm sure the efforts of the recovery staff will be rewarded in the players' performances."

Henry boost
There was some good news for France coach Bini, however, with Lyon midfielder Amandine Henry training on Tuesday for the first time since arriving in Finland. The promising 19-year-old, who made her international debut in March, sat out the Iceland match with an ankle injury.