Euro 2012: David Villa's participation uncertain

29-year old striker David Villa, who is still recovering from a fractured tibia sustained at the Club World Cup in December while playing for Barcelona, might miss the Euro 2012, Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque has conceded.

David Villa has been out of action since December

The reigning Euro Champions will be without the services of their captain Carles Puyol who has been ruled out with a knee injury. Del Bosque will announce a provisional squad on May 15 which will then be narrowed down to 23 in the final list on May 27. The 61-year old World Cup winning coach told AS:

“Losing Puyol is a big setback.

“David Villa is also a serious doubt. We are worried, it is very hard to call up someone if they cannot play a single match.

“We have an obligation and also a conviction that we should wait until the last moment in David’s case because he has been our most reputable goal-scorer, the surest player, and we should wait, of course.”

Meanwhile, Spain team doctor Javier Minano is optimistic about the striker’s participation in the tournament that would be jointly hosted by Ukraine and Poland. Minano told Efe:

“Villa will have to join the group for regular training action, and has to continue to improve. We met with him a few days ago, and his recovery is on schedule. I am optimistic about his chances.”

Spain are grouped with Croatia, Italy and Republic of Ireland in Group C and start their campaign against Italy on June 10.