The Internazionale midfielder missed the goalless friendly draw with Paraguay because of a minnow thigh injury he picked up in training.

Squillaci said: "I am sure that it will quickly recover. He had a small niggle, but I think he will be present (against Romania)."

The Lyon man admitted Raymond Domenech's side could ill afford to be without the former Arsenal dynamo for the championship.

He added: "He is a very important player, a player known for his experience and his qualities. We need him."