Xavi ‘will not be forced to play’, says Del Bosque
Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque on Monday said that Xavi Hernandez will only play against France in Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier if he feels ready to do so.
The Barcelona midfielder, such an important element of the European and world champions’ side, missed last Friday’s 1-1 draw with Finland in Gijon because of a hamstring problem.
His fragile fitness has been a constant source of concern for both club and country in recent times, and while Del Bosque is confident the 33-year-old will be able to feature, he insisted that no chances will be taken.
“Nobody will be forced to play. If Xavi plays, he will do so because he and the doctors say he is ready to do so,” said the Spain coach at a press conference in Paris.
“We have one more training session and it will be up to our medical team and Barcelona’s medical team to decide whether he can play.
“He looks in good shape, but we have 21 players. They are not all of quite the same level, but it does mean we have plenty of options.”
Tuesday’s match at the Stade de France is a must-win for Spain, who trail France in Group I of European qualifying for next year’s World Cup by two points.
After drawing their last two games, another slip-up would leave the holders staring at the prospect of a two-legged play-off to qualify for Brazil.
Read more :
- Marat Safin voted into Russian Parliament
Former world number one Marat Safin has been voted into the Russian Federal Parliament.
The two-time Grand Slam winner, who is a member of Vladimir Putin's United Russia party, has been el... - Central African football stars keen to return home
Central African Republic national team stars in South Africa for a World Cup qualifier are keen to return home after the weekend takover of capital city Bangui by rebels.
Team manager Will... - Falcons offense disappears when it matters most
ATLANTA - The Atlanta Falcons were unable to turn their regular season dominance into playoff glory as they blew a 17-point lead in a soul-destroying NFC Championship loss to the visiting S... - Two Filipinos advance in Ultimate 10-Ball tourney
Former world champion Alex Pagulayan and Carlo Biado advanced to the fourth round of the Ultimate 10-Ball Championships being held at the Harrah’s Resort in Tunica, Mississippi.
Pagulayan ... - Blatter slams Euro 2020 format over 13 countries
FIFA president Sepp Blatter has criticised the proposed format set to be used at Euro 2020 and says the scattering of the tournament over 13 countries will not make it a true European champ... - Li Na, Jelena Jankovic out of Paris Open
Li Na and Jelena Jankovic have both retired from the Paris Open with injuries.
French Open champion Na withdrew while trailing Bulgarian Tsvetana Pironkova 7-6 (7/5), 3-2 in their round-on... - Rafael Nadal loss “biggest upset in betting history”
Ladbrokes have hailed Rafael Nadal's shock defeat at the hands of world number 100 Lukas Rosol as the "biggest upset in betting history".
Nadal went a set up after a hard-fought tie-break ... - Li Na dumped out in Eastbourne by Vesnina
EASTBOURNE, United Kingdom: China’s Li Na missed her chance for a semi-final spot at the ATP-WTA Eastbourne International on a muggy on Thursday (Friday in Manila) as the second seed lost t...
