FOOTBALL

In-form Spanish striker David Villa is almost certain to miss Sunday’s Euro 2008 final against Germany, says team doctor Jesus Jimenez.

Villa, 26, injured a thigh muscle in Thursday’s semi-final win over Russia.

Previously the Spanish Football Federation had refused to write off Villa’s chances of playing.

“He has almost been ruled out, the tests done in hospital revealed a small tear to the muscle in the back of his right thigh,” said Jimenez.

“In normal circumstances he would be out of action for between a week and 10 days.

“He couldn’t play today, but he is not totally ruled out yet even though it is very unlikely he will play. He could be on the bench for the game however.

“He is receiving physiotherapy and we’ll assess him again on Saturday, but as I said he will almost certainly not be able to play.”

Villa, who is the tournament’s top scorer with four goals, came off after 34 minutes of Spain’s 3-0 victory against Russia after injuring himself taking a free-kick.

The much-coveted Valencia striker said immediately after the match he would not be fit and had resigned himself to watching the game from the stands.

“I’m a little sad that I won’t be there to take part but it’s better that a team-mate who is fit plays instead of me, particularly as my injury has left me limping quite badly,” he said. I know how well he can perform, he is a great player like others in our squad

Spain coach Luis Aragones on Cesc Fabregas

“Now I have to enjoy the show from outside. To play on Sunday would be a lottery.

“I would do it even if I had to play on one leg but this is a team – there are other players who will do better 100% than one who is injured.

“At the start I was really upset because I knew it was going to be very difficult to play in the final if we got there.

“I just want to enjoy Sunday and celebrate winning the European Championship with everyone else. This is an achievement for the whole squad and we want to take the glory on Sunday.”

He was replaced by Cesc Fabregas and Spain coach Luis Aragones has hinted that the Arsenal midfielder may replace Villa for the final, if the Valencia forward is unfit. 606: DEBATE
Does that mean Fabregas will start the final?

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“I know how well he can perform, he is a great player like others in our squad,” said Aragones.

“It’s better for numbers and pressure (to have an extra midfielder) and that is how Xavi scored his goal. The point is to make them feel free.”

Fabregas is raring to go if called upon and said: “I am here when the manager needs me.

“It is good, we came here to win the tournament and we got to the final, which I think is the most difficult thing.

“In the final anything can happen, a lot of things can influence the game.”