Canada await Sinclair news for key France game

BOCHUM (Germany) (AFP) - Canada are awaiting a decision on whether talismanic captain Christine Sinclair will be able to line-up against France in a must-win Group A clash at the Women's World Cup here on Thursday (today). Veteran striker Sinclair tested a new mask in training on Tuesday which she has to wear after breaking her nose during their 2-1 opening defeat to Germany at the weekend. France won their opener against Nigeria 1-0 meaning that the Canadians need at least a draw if they are to keep alive their hopes of being one of the two group teams to advance to the quarter-finals. Two-time defending champions Germany lead the group ahead of France with CONCACAF champions Canada third and Nigeria sitting last. Germany and Nigeria play in Frankfurt on the same day. "I can't run without feeling pain," admitted Sinclair during training. The doctors want to be sure I'm ready. It's a race against the clock." Canadian coach Carolina Morace said when would make a decision on Wednesday on the participation of the 28-year-old who scored her 117th goal on her 160th international appearance at Berlin's Olympic Stadium on Sunday. France also have their own injury worries with coach Bruno Bini considering whether to select Laure Lepailleur or Corinne Franco in place of injured defender Wendie Renard who has an adductor problem. Another defender Ophelie Meilleroux is also nursing a knee injury, as the team recover from their opening match.