France coach Raymond Domenech is confident William Gallas will be fit for the World Cup.
The defender, whose contract with Arsenal expires this summer, has been troubled by a calf injury and is battling to make the plane to South Africa.
Although he won’t be risked in Wednesday’s friendly against Costa Rica, his performances at a training camp in Tignes have cheered the French boss.
Domenech told TF1: "After what we saw in training we can be optimistic.
“It is not the same in a game, however, and with the calf we must be careful.
“We want him to be ready for the World Cup.”
Barcelona defender Eric Abidal is another hoping 32-year-old Gallas pulls through.
He told the Journal du Dimanche: "It is better for us if William is fit.
“He is important and the opposing forwards think differently when he plays. They know they have a mountain to climb.”
Domenech outlined his intention to give Gallas as much time as possible by including him in his reduced 24-man squad which then became 23 when Real Madrid
midfielder Lassana Diarra was forced to pull out with a stomach problem.