Lemerre: We risked Zidane
Zidane picked up a thigh injury in France's 3-2 friendly win over South Korea, and is out of the World Champion's opening group match against Senegal on Friday.
"We asked ourselves the question if he should or not play this friendly tie," said Lemerre. "But this risk is necessary.
"We can't deny that if we protected him, he would not be injured. But as they are high level players, they must be here.
"The French team is clearly not as strong without Zidane; the team doesn't not have the same expression. He is an exceptional player.
Lemerre hinted that Youri Djorkaeff could well replace the influential Real Madrid man in the heart of the midfield.
"Djorkaeff is a possibility. Youri showed his fitness. He came back with a lot of presence, and he is really fresh on physical and psychological," concluded Lemerre.
