France's head coach Roger Lemerre lambasted the press after allegations that Arsenal striker Thierry Henry might miss the World Cup due to injury.

Henry's knee complaints kept him out of France's recent matches against Belgium and Japanese club side Urawa Red Diamonds.

"We would like to have him against South Korea [on Sunday] as he needs to play a match," Lemerre said.

"But if his condition requires two more days to fully recover, then we will spare him."

The French coach said that the speculations about Henry had affected the mood in the squad.