Vieira fumes as mystery injury rules him out of France v Italy showdown

Frustrated: France's Patrick Vieira has been unable to play a part for France in Euro 2008.

Vieira expected to be ready for at least one of France's group games despite tearing his thigh in training on May 30, insisting that was the reason why he decided to stay on with the squad.

But he claims he is still "in the dark" about when he will be fit to return, the Inter Milan star has poked an accusatory finger at the medical experts in the French camp.

"It is too early to start a debate but obviously there have been some difficulties," he said.

"There have been misunderstandings between the injury and the treatment I have received.

"At one moment or another, I will have to have some explanations.

"I stayed because I thought I was going to play. I also thought my experiences of the recent Euros and World Cups could be useful but the main reason was that I felt I could play. I am frustrated."

Vieira is France's only injury absentee for a match at the Letzigrund that may prove to be academic, at least in terms of qualification out of the group.

If the result goes against them in Berne the finalists in the 2006 World Cup - both of whom were among the pre-tournament favourites for the title - will be eliminated.

France coach Raymond Domenech gives his side a "very small chance" of reaching the last eight, with the Dutch expected to put out a second-string team in order to rest their star players for the knockout stages.

But he knows his side will have to improve on their shambolic defensive display in Friday's 4-1 defeat to Holland if they are to stand any chance of progression.

"We were criticised after the Romania match (for being defensive), now we are getting criticised the other side," Domenech said.

"So I hope we can strike a balance. Obviously the result (against Holland) was disastrous, but the content was not.

"We have to work on that against Italy. It will be difficult but we are capable."