Captain Vieira misses game, stays in France squad

Captain Patrick Vieira will stay in France's squad despite a thigh injury which will keep him out of their opening game today, a team spokesman said.

The left thigh muscle injury sustained by Vieira in training last week has ruled him out of France's first game against Romania later in Zurich.

The 31-year-old midfielder resumed training on Thursday and could be fit for France's next pool games against the Netherlands on Friday and Italy on June 17.

According to tournament regulations, squad changes for injured players must be made before the team's first match.

Jeremy Toulalan is expected to replace Vieira for the game against Romania with defender Lilian Thuram taking over the captain's armband.

Coach Raymond Domenech's decision to keep Vieira means Mathieu Flamini, who was called up in case Vieira had to pull out, will go home.