Injured Anelka likely to stay with France, says coach

PARIS, Nov 13 (Reuters) Striker Nicolas Anelka is expected to stay with the France squad despite being hampered by a hamstring injury, coach Raymond Domenech said today.

Anelka, who has missed Bolton's last four matches because of the injury, has been included by Domenech in his squad for a friendly against Morocco on Friday in Paris and the Euro 2008 qualifier next week in Ukraine.

Bolton manager Gary Megson had asked France on Monday to let Anelka return to his club, saying it would be a ''nightmare'' if he were ruled fit to play for his country.

''If he is fit, Nicolas will stay with us and if he is not, he will go back home,'' Domenech told reporters at France's training camp outside Paris.

''However, I think the best way for him to nurse his injury would be to stay with us,'' Domenech added.

''I understand Bolton but they will get Nicolas back in good condition. I am optimistic (about Anelka's chances of playing).

I have discussed it with him (Anelka) and he wants to play.'' REUTERS SBC HT2157