Emmanuel Petit is a major doubt for France as they prepare for Sunday's Euro 2000 quarter-final against Spain in Bruges.

The Arsenal midfielder hurt his knee during the first half of the 2-1 win against the Czech Republic a week ago and has been unable to take part in full training since.

Coach Roger Lemerre, who will make sweeping changes to the team that lost 3-2 to Holland in Amsterdam on Wednesday, said: 'At the moment there is a problem with Emmanuel.'

The team against Holland was virtually a reserve team as the French coach took advantage of his team's assured place in the last eight to rest some play-ers and give match practice to others.

Fabien Barthez, Lilian Thuram, Laurent Blanc, Bixente Lizarazu, Didier Deschamps, Zinedine Zidane, Thierry Henry and Nicolas Anelka are certain to return along.

The only selection dilemma for Lemerre would appear to be between Patrick Vieira, of Arsenal, and Youri Djorkaeff.

Meanwhile, Arsenal still do not know if Robert Pires is to join them in a £6 million move. 'Nothing has been settled yet,' said the Marseille star.