Patrick Vieira's participation in Euro 2008 remains in jeopardy after France coach Raymond Domenech refused to confirm whether his captain would be staying with the squad for the remainder of the tournament.

Les Bleus staff said earlier this week that a decision on Vieira, who sustained a thigh tear on May 30th and has not been training at full pace since, would be made by Sunday.

But at his eve-of-game press conference ahead of tomorrow's Group C opener against Romania, Domenech was coy about the state of his skipper.

"I think the official deadline is a couple of hours before the match so we will wait until then," he said.

Domenech then cryptically added: "The 22 or 23 players I have are in good shape to take part in such a championship."

Vieira has already been ruled out of the Romania match but the Inter Milan midfielder, who has had various injury problems all season, is striving to be fit for France's last two group games.

Lilian Thuram, who will take the armband in the absence of Vieira, was also evasive when asked about Vieira's fitness.

"I can't tell you, I'm not a doctor," said the veteran defender. "Physical problems are normal — there are always these problems before and during a competition."

Mathieu Flamini will replace Vieira in the 23-man squad if the former Arsenal star is withdrawn on Monday.

Thierry Henry and Franck Ribery have also been struggling with minor injuries this week, and remain doubts for the Romania game.