Santini ready to rush Desailly back

Chelsea veteran Marcel Desailly will return for France against Croatia tonight as his side look to seal their quarterfinal place.

The 36-year-old defender missed the win over England with a knee injury but he has done enough in training to convince manager Jacques Santini that he is ready to start.

Santini was unhappy with the way his team defended against England and has refused to let the 2-1 victory cloud his judgement. He felt that France were exposed down their left flank and it is likely to be Bixente Lizarazu who makes way.

Desailly said: "I feel 100 per cent. If the coach wants me I am here and the knee is fine now.

"I have played only 32 matches this season at club level and that has given me more time to involve myself in this group of players. We have an incredible dynamic."

Santini said: "Marcel is up for it, he is ready. He had setbacks in his recovery but now he is fine."

At club level, it may be that Desailly will finish his career working with his long-time friend Didier Deschamps at Monaco.

He has one year left on his contract at Stamford Bridge but is realistic enough to know that he may not figure in the plans of new boss Jose Mourinho.

A £1million pay-off would enable Desailly to link up with Deschamps - and he has had a huge mansion built in the south of France.

Desailly could go as player-coach. "I will know how to deal with players when they have problems," he said recently.

Claude Makelele has lost his battle to overcome the shoulder injury he suffered against England. Olivier Dacourt of Roma is set to replace him.

Santini, at least, is grateful his men do not have to play in the searing afternoon heat. He said: "You look at the players at the end of the afternoon games and they look exhausted, stuffed.

"Croatia will be defensive like England. They are very skilful technically. They are the kind of team that has one big game in them, a team that can make anything happen."

Santini may drop Robert Pires in favour of Sylvain Wiltord.

For Croatia, experienced anchorman Igor Tudor is available again after being suspended for the draw with Switzerland.

Croatia v France, 7.45pm, Leiria, live on BBC1 and Eurosport