Malouda raring to go

By Mark Buckingham

Florent Malouda has revealed he is itching to make his World Cup finals debut for France.

The Lyon winger missed his country's opening game of the tournament on Tuesday due to a previously undisclosed injury.

France coach Raymond Domenech did not wish to divulge the problem which kept Malouda out of the drab 0-0 draw with Switzerland.

But Malouda has confirmed he was absent for the stalemate due to haemorrhoids and underwent an operation to resolve the issue.

He is now in line to return to the French team against South Korea on Sunday and is looking forward to the encounter.

"I'd never had that before and it was not the best time to have it, but it's over now and I'm absolutely fine," said Malouda.

"I underwent surgery in Germany last week.

"I've got pins and needles in my legs. I just can't wait to play."

Though France were lacklustre against the Swiss, Malouda remains confident Les Bleus will advance from Group G.

He added: "I'm not worried at all."