Spain’s star midfielder Andres Iniesta is recovering from his injury faster than expected and will likely be available when Spain opens their World Cup campaign against Argentina on June 16.
The 26-year old Barcelona star re-injured his thigh in their friendly game against Poland before flying to South Africa. Iniesta played very well in that game, scoring two goals to give Spain a 6-0 victory.
"The coach and I have been speaking on a daily basis on how things are going and the level of discomfort and things are getting better and better. If I feel good then why not play? I am feeling in good shape," said Iniesta who trained with the Spain National squad during the weekend.
The Spanish Football Federation also remains optimistic that Iniesta will be available and boost their campaign against the Swiss Team, which is also bothered by injuries to their key players. Switzerland's team captain Alexander Frei is still recovering from an ankle injury he sustained in their final practice while Valon Behrami is bothered by his injured thigh.
Spain National Coach Vicente Del Bosque expressed confidence that his primary midfielder will be fit to start against Switzerland.
"Iniesta will play and he will be in the starting line-up. He has already trained with the ball and just needs some rest," said Del Bosque, who believes that Argentina will be their toughest opponent in the World Cup especially if Lionel Messi will continue to play at a high level.
The veteran coach also said that they are also ready if Iniesta fails to suit up. Cesc Fabregas will take the place of the injured star. The Arsenal midfielder believes they can be successful this year because they are eager for the title.
"We are hungry for the title and we can show we are the best at this championship but we have to take things step by step," Fabregas said.
Fabregas has also been bothered by injury prior to the World Cup but has fully recovered from the cracked bone in his leg sustained from training.
"Every day I'm getting better and stronger," said the Arsenal Captain.
"I am feeling really confident and I can almost say I am 100 percent. The good thing is I am training with the team. I have not lost anything due to the physical problems and that is the best thing that can happen," he added.
National Coach Del Bosque also said that striker Fernando Torres will not be used in their opening match. The 26-year old forward, who plays for Liverpool, has recovered from the knee surgery he had in April but Del Bosque will rest him for precautionary measures.
"I don't think he'll play the first match, although he is not ruled out either," Del Bosque said.
Torres played his first game since April in their final warm-up match against Poland. He was inserted in the 66th minute mark of the game and immediately made an impact scoring their team's fifth goal.
"I haven't played for almost two months and was very keen to return, but I wasn't as ready as I thought and had to ease off a little last week," Torres said.
"The injury passed and now I'm able to help my team-mates, so it's time to enjoy it. Tomorrow I'm sure there will be a lot of optimism and euphoria but we know it will be difficult," he added.
The talented squad of Spain will be one of the favorites to win in this year’s World Cup. They are bracketed in Group H with Switzerland, Honduras, and Chile.
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