Zidane to play the Swiss

September 27, 2005 20:42 IST

Real Madrid midfielder Zinedine Zidane says he will be fit to play in France's World Cup qualifier against Switzerland on October 8 after being sidelined for three weeks with a groin injury.

"I'm happy because barring a disaster I shall be able to play for France in Switzerland," the France captain was quoted as saying by sports daily L'Equipe on Tuesday.

Zidane strained his groin during France's 1-0 victory over Ireland on September 7 in a European Group Four qualifier.

France and Switzerland are joint leaders of the group with 16 points from eight games. Israel are third, one point adrift, but have played one more game.

"I had a light training session today (Monday). I ran, kicked the ball around and didn't feel any pain," Zidane told L'Equipe.

"I shall have to play on Sunday at Mallorca and after this game and five or six days of training with France, I'm sure I'll be fit to play in Switzerland. I'll just have to be careful not to injure myself again."

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