Henry may not start

Defender steps in as captain in Vieira's absence

By Hayley Paterson   Last updated: 9th June 2008

Football Spain v France Thierry Henry

Henry: Injured for opener

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Thierry Henry is doubtful for France's opening Euro 2008 clash against Romania according to team-mate Lilian Thuram.

The Barcelona striker has not trained with the French squad since receiving a knock in the 1-0 warm-up international win over Colombia in Paris.

His 100th cap was marred by the injury, and team-mate Thuram has said the knock could mean he might not be able to start the opening Group C match.

"It's true he has not been able to train and I don't know if he will be able to start the match," the veteran defender said.

France's record-scoring hitman Henry, with 44 international goals to his name, is now expected to be replaced by Chelsea's Nicolas Anelka.

Thuram will also be the stand-in skipper for Patrick Vieira who has been ruled out with a thigh injury.

A final decision to see if the Internazionale midfielder stays in the national squad for the rest of the tournament will be made on June 9 - the same day as France's opening game in Zurich.