Euro 2008 in brief: Vieira sets end of week deadline after thigh injury puts place at risk

Vieira with France coach Raymond Domenech (Reuters)

France captain Patrick Vieira has given himself until the end of this week to prove his fitness for the European Championships. The Internazionale midfielder has been ruled out of France's opening match, against Romania in Zurich on Monday, with a left thigh injury. He was expected to be fit for Les Bleus' final two group games but some are predicting his tournament could be over before it has started. Vieira, who revealed he has a "little tear" in his thigh, knows the next few days will determine whether he can play in Austria and Switzerland. Mathieu Flamini has been called up to train with France's squad and will come in as a replacement if Vieira is forced out.

Muscle problem hampers Ujfalusi

Czech Republic captain Tomas Ujfalusi has a problem with an abdominal muscle, coach Karel Bruckner said yesterday. Bruckner said the problem was likely to be related to the dry, hard ground at the team's training base in Austria and should not be serious. The manager was hopeful "it will be fine" for the opener against Switzerland on Saturday.

Van Persie back in full training

Robin van Persie joined full training sessions yesterday but the Holland striker admits he could struggle to play a full game when the Netherlands open their campaign in Group C. Van Persie, plagued by injury last season at Arsenal, said: "I can say right now that I am ready for it, but it might be tough to play the full 90 minutes."

Bruised thigh a worry for Villa

Spain striker David Villa is suffering with a thigh injury ahead of Euro 2008 and was unable to play in the final warm-up against the United States last night because of the problem. Villa picked up the injury to his right thigh in training on Tuesday and medical staff have advised a couple of days rest.

Barnetta rejoins team for practice

Switzerland playmaker Tranquillo Barnetta trained with his team-mates yesterday for the first time in two weeks. Team doctor Roland Grossen said the session would give the winger a chance to test the ankle he injured on 20 May, though he declined to say if Barnetta was 100 per cent fit.