France could be missing their leading striker for two games which will shape their 2006 FIFA World Cup destiny after Thierry Henry was ruled out for up to three weeks with a calf strain.

Goal in vain
The 27-year-old sustained the injury after scoring Arsenal FC's winning goal against FC Bayern München last night, a strike which failed to prevent the Gunners exiting the UEFA Champions League 3-2 on aggregate. Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger said: "We have lost Thierry Henry for two or three weeks with a calf strain."

Level at the top
The forward will sit out Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final at Bolton Wanderers FC and would appear doubtful for France's World Cup qualifiers at home to Switzerland on 26 March and away to Israel four days later. Les Bleus are level on eight points with the Republic of Ireland and Israel after four matches in Group 4. Switzerland have five points and a game in hand.