Anelka future uncertain as player seeks treatment in Paris

Nicolas Anelka's future with Turkish outfit Fenerbache was called into question as the unsettled French international returned to Paris for treatment on a knee injury.

The 27-year-old, who is hoping to force his way into France's World Cup squad, has spent the past season in Turkey playing for Fenerbahce after transferring from Manchester City.

The striker has not figured in the Istanbul outfit's last two matches, complaining of a sore left knee which he said he picked up in a Cup tie against bitter rivals Galatasary.

"I had to return to Paris to visit the doctor for a second time to find out the origin of a pain," explained Anelka. "I'll return (Turkey) tomorrow to play for my club."

But his absence has led to reports in Turkish media that the injury is "diplomatic" and a result of differences between the player and coach Christoph Daum, with several already speculating on an early departure for the striker.

Anelka dismissed rumours of a rift however, insisting: "I feel good at Fenerbahce which is a great club, very professional on the same level as certain big European clubs."

The striker has had an erratic career that has also included spells with Paris St Germain, Arsenal, Real Madrid and Liverpool.
 
His international appearances, 30 in total, have been just as erratic, missing out on both the 1998 and 2002 World Cup finals after clashing with a succession of managers.

But Anelka is confident he has struck a chord with the latest French coach Raymond Domenech.

Domenech brought Anelka back into the international fold for the friendly against Costa Rica in November when he scored the opening goal in a 3-2 win and and he then played the second-half in a 0-0 draw against Germany.