Friday, June 25, 2010

Alonso doubtful to face Portugal

Alonso was left on considerable pain after a heavy challenge
Alonso was left in considerable pain after a heavy challenge

Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso may miss the last-16 match against Portugal on Tuesday after suffering a sprained ankle in Friday's 2-1 win over Chile.

Alonso, who was clattered by Waldo Ponce and forced off after 73 minutes, said: "I have a sprain in the foot.

"We'll have to test it out over the next few days and see how it feels and if I can make the Portugal match."

However, Spanish team doctor Oscar Luis Celada is optimistic after assessing the results of an X-ray on the ankle.

He said: "The first X-ray confirmed that Alonso had sprained his right ankle when he was violently tackled.

"But we are optimistic that he will be fit for the second-round match."

World Cup Highlights - Chile 1-2 Spain

Highlights - Chile 1-2 Spain

Spain's victory, which secured top place in their group, has come at a cost.

As well as the injury to Alonso, Spain also have concerns over the fitness of striker Fernando Torres.

The Liverpool forward, who has yet to score in the tournament, was substituted after 60 minutes.

However, coach Vicente Del Bosque said after the match that Torres was taken off purely as a precaution, and not a recurrence of a knee injury.

"He felt a spot of muscular bother, nothing to do with his knee injury," the Spain boss stated.

If Spain beat the Portuguese in Cape Town, they would then face a quarter-final against either Paraguay or Japan.

Del Bosque's side, one of the pre-tournament favourites, could meet either Argentina, Mexico, England or Germany in the last four.

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