International Football - Spain rest unfit Torres

Reuters - Mon, 09 Nov 14:17:00 2009

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has omitted Liverpool striker Fernando Torres from his squad for friendlies against Argentina and Austria over injury concerns.

FOOTBALL Spain's Fernando Torres - 0

Torres, 25, has scored 10 goals in 10 Premier League games this season but has been suffering from a niggling groin injury that Liverpool fear may require surgery.

"We have spoken with Fernando (Torres) and (Reds boss) Rafael Benitez and we reached the decision it was best not to force him," Del Bosque said of his number nine.

Instead Del Bosque called up Jesus Navas, despite the 23-year-old Sevilla winger's chronic homesickness during extended periods away from southern Spain.

"The last coach (Luis Aragones) considered using him, but his personal circumstances prevented it from happening," Del Bosque said.

"We've gone through the necessary steps and we think he is in the right condition to come with us now, also considering the type of games we are facing."

Valencia winger Pablo Hernandez also made the squad on the back of some strong recent performances.

Villarreal midfielders Santi Cazorla and Marcos Senna are also missing.

The European champions take on Argentina at Atletico Madrid's Vicente Calderon on Saturday as part of the Spanish Football Federation's centenary celebrations.

"I'm sure they will be motivated to play against one of the greats of world football like us," Del Bosque said. "It's one of the best games you could see at present."

Four days later, Spain travel to play Austria in Vienna, scene of their final triumph over Germany at Euro 2008.

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Pepe Reina (Liverpool), Diego Lopez (Villarreal).

Defenders: Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Alvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Andoni Iraola (Athletic Bilbao), Joan Capdevila (Villarreal), Carlos Marchena (Valencia), Raul Albiol (Real Madrid), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Carles Puyol (Barcelona).

Midfielders: Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Xavi (Barcelona), David Silva (Valencia), Jesus Navas (Sevilla), Juan Mata (Valencia), Pablo Hernandez (Valencia).

Forwards: David Villa (Valencia), Daniel Guiza (Fenerbahce), Alvaro Negredo (Sevilla).

Reuters

Comment 1 - 7 of 7

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  1. Austria will beat Spain without Torres. 1-0.

    From mikay and tom, on Tue 10 Nov 12:09AM

  2. no problem with that. Cesc is there.

    From Renan, on Mon 9 Nov 9:35PM

  3. fernando says he will play in pain­ against birmingham.­ i hope he can score a lot of goals­ and play well.

    From Miss-Torres, on Mon 9 Nov 5:47PM

  4. Liverpoo, manure & liverfool... cmon these are such­ lame insults

    From buymydrugs1, on Mon 9 Nov 4:55PM
  5. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    yes after just 10minutes carrying them right?hahahaha­ loserfool!

    From Fahmi, on Mon 9 Nov 4:51PM

  6. #2,same goes to the injury-plague giggs...may he be­ free from the torturing injuries...end his­ career...amen...

    From eevernc, on Mon 9 Nov 4:48PM

  7. Hes not dead,hes just tired of carrying around Vidic­ & Ferdinand in his back pocket!!!

    From REAL REDS boycot the SUN, on Mon 9 Nov 4:42PM
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