POMPEY PLAY DOWN DIARRA FEARS

Diarra: Available for Wembley

Frenchman should be fit for Community Shield

Lassana Diarra is expected to be fit for Sunday's Community Shield despite hobbling out of Portsmouth's latest pre-season friendly.

The Frenchman was caught by Rob Davies' late challenge in Pompey's 2-1 victory over Oxford on Monday night and needed to receive treatment on the touchline.

However, coach Joe Jordan has played down concerns over the extent of the injury.

Jordan is confident Diarra will be available for the season curtain-raiser against Manchester United at Wembley.

"Lassana got a bit of a knock but he'll be alright," Jordan told the club's official website.

"It was a bit of a crazy tackle but he managed to get out the way and just got clipped.

"I think he got a bit of cramp getting out of the way of the challenge but he should be okay for Sunday."

Diarra was making his first appearance of pre-season after being granted more time off following Euro 2008, and Jordan accepts he still has some work to do in training.

"He's a bit behind the rest because he got an extra period of time off after the European Championships.

"He's got a bit of catching up to do in regards of his general fitness."