World Cup qual. - France reliant on Henry

Eurosport - Wed, 25 Mar 22:25:00 2009

Blighted by problems in the striking department prior to their World Cup qualifier in Lithuania on Saturday, France will once again be forced to look to the in-form Thierry Henry for inspiration.

FOOTBALL 2008-2009 France-Tunisia (Henry) - 0

Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka was forced out of the squad with a toe injury on Monday and his departure - along with a freak kinee injury suffered in training by Rennes striker Jimmy Briand - leaves the 109-cap Barcelona forward as the only senior striker in Raymond Domenech's squad.

Anelka was replaced by Paris St-Germain's uncapped frontman Guillaume Hoarau, who joins fellow novice Andre Pierre Gignac of Toulouse in a pool of forwards that makes 20-cap, 20-year-old Lyon striker Karim Benzema look like a veteran.

Domenech has yet to reveal his tactics for the Lithuania clash, but that Henry will play a pivotal role is a certainty.

"I have lots of ideas, I have lots of options," Domenech said.

"If there are no more problems, it will be a system with one striker and three attacking midfielders behind, or two strikers.

"But with 'Titi' (Henry), we can use him anywhere, except as a right wing, where even he doesn't feel comfortable."

France's all-time leading scorer with 48 goals, Henry has frequently proved his country's saviour and his experience will be crucial against European qualifying group seven joint-leaders Lithuania, who France trail by five points.

But it is not just his track record that makes him indispensable. Out of all France's strikers (Henry, Gignac, Hoarau and Benzema), the former Arsenal man is the only one currently playing at the top of his game at the highest level.

After a difficult first season in Catalonia, Henry has finally rediscovered the path to goal.

He notched three times as Barcelona disposed of Lyon over two legs in the last 16 of the Champions League and he has racked up 15 strikes in the league as Barca have soared to the La Liga summit.

His form is in stark contrast to that of the feted Benzema, who has not scored in the league since February 21 and who has yet to really convince in a France jersey.

"We can't say that we are at our best at the moment, except for 'Titi', who is sensational," said Domenech, who must also contend with an injury concern surrounding Gignac.

AFP

Comment 1 - 4 of 4

Sort comments by: Most recent

  1. Don't forget, Henry has Messi,Xavi and Iniesta to­ supply him with scoring situations at Barçelona. With­ France, Ribery will have to carry the load almost by­ himself !!

    From Tim, on Thu 26 Mar 3:12PM

  2. Recall Trezeguet.

    From Moussa, on Thu 26 Mar 12:10AM

  3. of yeah, and give the captains armband to Lass. Henry­ ain't captain material

    From tom h, on Wed 25 Mar 7:36PM

  4. Henry up front. Gourcuff in the middle, Ribery on the­ right and Nasri on the left.

    But just watch. Domenech­ will leave Nasri on the bench and give the left wing to­ Benzema.

    Huge mistake.

    From tom h, on Wed 25 Mar 7:35PM
Sort comments by: Most recent

Not already a Yahoo! user ? to get a free Yahoo! Account