Zinedine Zidane is unlikely to feature in his country's Euro 2004 qualifier against Cyprus on Saturday where France can book their passage to Portugal.
The playmaker had to leave the pitch in the 26th minute of Real Madrid's 1-1 draw at Villareal in the Spanish league last night. He flew to Paris today and joined his French team colleagues who are preparing for the next two qualifiers, against Cyprus and Slovenia.
"Zinedine Zidane had medical tests in Paris which confirmed he is suffering from a strained thigh muscle. He is very doubtful for the match against Cyprus on Saturday," a French team statement said.
France lead Group One with a maximum 15 points from five matches and can become the first team to qualify for next year's finals if they beat Cyprus and if Israel draw or win in Slovenia.
Absent from the triumphant campaign in the Confederations Cup in June, Zidane returned for France last month and helped his side clinch a convincing 2-0 win over Switzerland in Geneva.
If Zidane pulls out, coach Jacques Santini will have to review his tactical choices for Saturday's match. The playmaking role could be handed either to Monaco's diminutive midfielder Ludovic Giuly or Arsenal's Robert Pires.