Spain boss says Xavi Hernandez will play against Portugal if possible
Spain coach Vicente del Bosque says that if Xavi Hernandez is passed fit, he will play when the national team take on fierce rivals Portugal in an international friendly on Wednesday 17 November.
The Barcelona midfielder has been struggling with the effects of tendinitis all season and has struggled to play more than one game a week for his club.
With nothing but pride at stake, the 30-year-old had been tipped to be rested for the game against Portugal. However, Del Bosque revealed to Spanish publication AS that, if the 2010 FIFA World Cup winner is ready, he will feature in the match.
Del Bosque said that: “I am not sure how many minutes we will give people. Xavi is here like the rest of the team. The player has indicated a strong commitment to the team. In principle, he can play 90 minutes, but we will not go against his physical condition.”
Since making his international debut in 2000, Xavi has established himself as an important player for Spain. He has won more than 90 caps and has scored eight goals for his country. He has also helped his national team to win the UEFA 2008 European Football
Championship, as well as the World Cup.
Meanwhile, Del Bosque also took the opportunity to comment on a ceremony held on Monday 15 November, when FIFA president Sepp Blatter awarded the Spain squad with a commemorative shield to be worn on their strip, and insisted that Spain would try to entertain
those watching Wednesday's game.
The 59-year-old added that: “Blatter's speech was very educational, to say that we have acquired a great responsibility after the World Cup, and we have to keep looking forward, and continue to achieve success. In these international friendlies, we play teams
of great footballing tradition, and we want to put on a show.”
The match is Spain's first international since they defeated Scotland 3-2 at Hampden Park on October 12 to establish a three-point lead at the top of their UEFA 2012 European Football Championship qualifying group.
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