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 :
- Hot-serving Serena bludgeons past Kirilenko
MELBOURNE - Serena Williams was at her enigmatic best on Monday after she bludgeoned her way into the Australian Open quarter-finals with a 6-2 6-0 win over Maria Kirilenko.
The 31-year-ol... - Minoza joins ICTSI Rancho title hunt
Frankie Minoza gets to see action again on the ICTSI Philippine Golf Tour as he joins the three-leg southern swing of the circuit beginning with the ICTSI Rancho Palos Verdes Classic on Wed... - Italian international Cassano names son after Lionel Messi
Antonio Cassano has named his newborn son after "the greatest player of all time", namely Lionel Messi, according to the Inter Milan striker.
Cassano's wife Carolina gave birth to t... - Djokovic at his peak in Wimbledon lucky dip
PARIS: Novak Djokovic believes he is at the peak of his powers as he targets a second Wimbledon title with his confidence buoyed by avoiding Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal in t... - Analysis: Cross border soccer leagues struggle to get off ground
BERNE - The days when teams such as Panathinaikos, Celtic, Malmo, FC Bruges and Steaua Bucharest could reach the Champions League final appear to be long gone as Europe's smaller leagues st... - David Beckham to take up China role next week
Football superstar David Beckham will begin his highly-anticipated role as ambassador for the Chinese Super League next week, with domestic media saying on Friday he will visit three cities... - PH pugs to see action in Asian Elite Championship
The road to the country’s first ever Olympic gold medal continues as a young, five-man Philippine boxing team leaves on Sunday to take part in the Asian Elite Championships July 1 to 9 in A... - Netter Huey, partner advance in London
Filipino-American Treat Huey and British partner Dominic Inglot scored a straight-set victory to advance to the second round of the 2013 Wimbledon Championships men’s doubles being held in ...
