Iniesta available for Spain's WC opener
Spain midfielder Andres Iniesta will be available for the World Cup match against Switzerland after taking part in a full training session on Tuesday.
Iniesta took to the field at Moses Mabhida Stadium for the 60-minute session, a day after completing his first full practice for the European champion since injuring his right leg in a 6-0 win over Poland last week.
"Iniesta trained well" Monday and Tuesday, Spain coach Vicente del Bosque said. "We still have some hours to talk with the doctors and it's they who will make the decision. We're thinking about tomorrow (Wednesday), but we're also mindful that we have a chance to go forward in this competition."
Del Bosque added that Fernando Torres could also feature in the Group H match at Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium, where Cesc Fabregas is almost certain to make his 51st appearance for Spain. Both players have recovered from right leg injuries.
"All 23 players are available ," said Del Bosque, who left his starting lineup uncertain.
Fabregas is the most likely to start of the three, because Del Bosque is likely to employ David Villa alone as striker in front of a five-man midfield.
"Everyone ... finished the session and, at a medical level, we couldn't ask for any more," said Oscar Celada, the team's chief doctor.
Iniesta has missed numerous matches since May 2009 because of the injury, and hasn't played a full game for Spain since February 2009.
Iniesta was the only player to start all six of Spain's games as it won the 2008 European Championship.
Post a comment about this article
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Becoming a member is free and easy, sign up here.