Martinez out of Spain internationals
Reuters - Thursday 10 November 2011, 18:26
Spain midfielder Javi
Martinez has been forced to leave the squad ahead of friendlies
against England and Costa Rica due to an adductor muscle
problem.
Martinez, who plays a similar role to defensive midfielder
Sergio Busquets and is not a regular starter for Spain, was sent
back to his club Athletic Bilbao following tests, Athletic said
on their website on Thursday.
The world and European champions take on England at London's
Wembley stadium on Saturday before travelling to play Costa Rica
in San Jose on Tuesday.
Coach Vicente del Bosque has picked a strong squad, while
his England counterpart Fabio Capello is missing key players
including striker Wayne Rooney and midfielder Steven Gerrard.
Del Bosque recalled Jesus Navas for the two friendlies and
the Sevilla winger, who featured in last year's World Cup final
but has not played for is country since March, said he was
determined to seize his opportunity.
"I am going to fight to be in the final squad for Euro
2012," Navas told reporters at the RFEF's Las Rozas training
facility outside Madrid.
"Being able to play a tournament like that is something very
important and you have to work hard to be there.
"Now I have been given the chance to come back into the
squad and I am determined to make the most of it."