IJMUIDEN, Netherlands, June 22 (Reuters) - Emmanuel Petit missed training on Thursday because of a painful knee but the French camp is hoping he will be available for Sunday's Euro 2000 Quarter-final against Spain.

French team doctor Jean-Marcel Ferret said the Arsenal midfielder had needed treatment after suffering again from the injury to his left knee which forced him to be substituted in the 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic last Friday.

But he added: 'There is a good chance that he will be fit in time for Sunday's match.'

France head coach Roger Lemerre is also hoping the pony-tailed 29-year-old will be available for the match in Bruges. 'He has a great influence on our game,' he said.

Asked wether Robert Pires, who impressed in a 3-2 defeat by the Netherlands in France's final group match on Wednesday, could step in for Petit, Lemerre said: 'That would be an option.'