France have denied reports that Thierry Henry's participation in the World Cup finals is in doubt because of a knee injury, according to a statement issued yesterday.

"It seems that according to some interpretations made in the media in France as well as in England, Thierry Henry could be ruled out of the 2002 World Cup," said the statement issued by the squad's press officer Philippe Tournon.

"The French squad object to this interpretation and state that for the time being the presence of Thierry Henry at the World Cup is not in doubt."

France coach Roger Lemerre had earlier yesterday expressed serious concern about Henry's injury and said he had given him until Sunday to prove his fitness.

"We are going to do some more tests on Sunday and, depending on the results, we will do what is necessary." The world champions open their World Cup campaign on May 31st against Senegal.

"He has seen the (team) doctor and he is still suffering from an inflamed ligament. This is the reason why we must be very careful," Lemerre said.

The only good news yesterday was the arrival of playmaker Zinedine Zidane who joined the squad after the arrival of his third child.

"He (Zidane) has arrived with a great smile on his face. It's comforting to have him with us. Now we are all together and we feel much stronger," said Lemerre.

England, however, were plunged into a deepening pre-World Cup midfield injury crisis yesterday as Danny Murphy sustained a foot injury in training just as stand-by winger Trevor Sinclair returned to England. Murphy will have a scan in the next couple of days to establish the exact nature of the injury.

David Beckham and Nicky Butt are still sidelined, even though Sven-Goran Eriksson remains confident they will be fit to play the World Cup opener against Sweden.

He has already admitted Kieron Dyer is more likely to be back against Argentina.

The injury tally now extends to six members of the 23-man squad as Robbie Fowler has a hip problem and Ashley Cole has strained knee ligaments.