Giuly in Euro 2004 fitness battle

Monaco playmaker Ludovic Giuly could miss France's Euro 2004 bid after picking up an injury in the UEFA Champions League defeat to Porto.

Giuly was forced out of the 3-0 reverse in Gelsenkirchen midway through the first half after injuring his thigh.

His exit played a major part in Monaco slumping to the final loss and Giuly could suffer double heartache if he is ruled out of Euro 2004.

Monaco coach Didier Deschamps is optimistic the problem will not sideline his talismanic schemer for the European Championship finals in Portugal.

Deschamps said: "I hope that it will not be too serious and that he will be able to take part in the European Championship."

Giuly will undergo tests to determine the severity of the problem, with the tournament in Portugal to kick off in just over two weeks' time.

Though he is not guaranteed a starting spot in Jacques Santini's plans, he would be a useful squad player for the competition.

If Giuly fails to recover from the injury, Santini is expected to choose between Sidney Govou and Olivier Kapo as replacements.