Arsenal star Gilberto Silva and Juninho Pernambucano will start for Brazil against France if Kaka and Emerson fail to shake off injuries.

Time is running out for key playmaker Kaka (knee) and anchorman Emerson (ankle) as they are only deemed "70% fit" by Brazil's medical staff, with the quarter-final clash against Les Bleus taking place in Frankfurt on Saturday night.

The fact it is the day's late game (2000 kick-off BST) gives the pair more recovery time and coach Carlos Alberto Parreira would be loathe to change a winning line-up, so is likely to give them as long as possible.

In attack, Robinho is recovering well from a thigh injury and pushing Adriano for a starting spot alongside Ronaldo - but the Inter Milan hitman's goal against Ghana is likely to ensure he keeps his place.

France coach Raymond Domenech's only concern is over veteran midfielder Zinedine Zidane, who sat out of training on Thursday with a sore foot.

The 34-year-old is expected to start in an unchanged line-up, though, as he is retiring from football when France's World Cup campaign ends.