Vieira returns to France squad after nine-month absence

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(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-11-18 17:04

PARIS -- Inter Milan midfielder Patrick Vieira has returned to fitness and is expected to join his national teammates here Wednesday evening as France hosts Uruguay in a friendly, according to the French Football Federation's website.

Inter Milan's Patrick Vieira (R) challenges Udinese's Gokhan Inler during their Italian Serie A soccer match at San Siro stadium in Milan, November 9, 2008. [Agencies]

The veteran had been sidelined by a thigh injury during France's dismal showing at Euro 2008 in last June, while a calf problem forced him to pull out of the national squad's last World Cup qualifier against Romania on October 11.

Vieira's possible return is a boost for coach Raymond Domenech, who has received public backing from the French Football Federation despite an indifferent start to France's World Cup 2010 qualifying campaign.

Les Bleus sank to a surprise 3-1 defeat in Austria in their Group 7 opener, before beating Serbia 2-1 in Paris and fighting back from 2-0 down to claim a 2-2 draw in Romania.

Uruguay are currently fifth in South America's World Cup qualification standings.