Malouda struggling ahead of Kiev trip

France could take to the field in Ukraine a week on Wednesday without first-choice left-winger Florent Malouda as the Chelsea FC midfielder continues to struggle with a knee injury sustained on UEFA Champions League duty.

'Major target'
The 27-year-old was substituted 78 minutes into the goalless draw at FC Schalke 04 last Tuesday and sat out Sunday's 1-1 draw against Everton FC, making him a major doubt for Les Bleus' final UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifier. "I'll do my best to be in Kiev," Malouda said. "EURO is my major target for the season." France need a point to be certain of a place in Austria and Switzerland, but could afford a loss if Italy win in Scotland on Saturday.