Spain eager to avoid further injuries

Spain attacker Juan Mata insists his side are in good physical condition and remain hopeful of avoiding any further injury setbacks.

Vicente del Bosque is already without David Villa and Carles Puyol ahead of Spain’s opening Euro 2012 clash against Italy.

But Chelsea attacker Mata is adamant Spain will not be hit with any more injuries.

“Hopefully no more injuries will arise of any kind and we will have the time to think about Italy,” Mata told reporters.

The 24-year-old said his team were concentrating solely on adding a third consecutive title to their trophy cabinet, calling on his team-mates to approach the competition in a similar way to the World Cup two years ago.

“Above all, we will be focused. It would be bad for us to play through excess pressure, so we must try to enjoy our football like we did in the World Cup,” Mata said.

Mata, who helped the Spain under-21s to a European Championship triumph in Denmark last year, wished Jose Antonio Camacho the best of luck as coach of China, who lost 1-0 to the world and European champions on Sunday.

“We all greeted him. He is a much-loved coach in Spain and we wish him all the luck in the world while in charge of China,” Mata said.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/spain-eager-to-avoid-further-injuries/95876/

Nani looks to prove fitness

Portugal winger Nani is hopeful of being fit for his nation’s opening Euro 2012 match against Germany.

Nani suffered a foot injury in Portugal’s 3-1 defeat to Turkey in an international friendly on Saturday.

“Yes, it was a scare. It was a very dangerous challenge, I was in a lot of pain, I still am a bit, but I think I will recover well in the next few days,” he told reporters.

“We will see when I return to Portugal’s camp. It may have caused a small strain. I believe I can play against Germany.”

The Manchester United midfielder has five days in which to continue his recovery before facing the Germans.

Group B also includes Denmark and Netherlands.

Nani has netted 13 times in 54 games for Portugal since making his debut six years ago as a teenager.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/nani-looks-to-prove-fitness/95845/

Croatia lose Olic for Euro 2012 World Soccer Shop

Croatia have been dealt a major blow with Ivica Olic ruled out of Euro 2012 due to a thigh injury, the striker replaced by Nikola Kalinic.

Olic: WIll not take part in Poland and Ukraine

Scans have revealed the full extent of departing Bayern Munich frontman Olic's thigh injury and he is expected to be out of action for between four and six weeks.

His place in the Croatia squad, who provide the Republic of Ireland's first opponents in Group C, will be taken by Dnipro's Kalinic, the former Blackburn Rovers striker.

A statement on the Croatian Football Federation's official website, www.hns-cff.hr, said: "Unfortunately, Ivica Olic will not participate at the European Championships in Ukraine and Poland, and as his replacement, coach Slaven Bilic has called Nikola Kalinic."

Olic, who is to join Wolfsburg later this summer, suffered the injury in a friendly draw with Norway at the weekend.

The Croatians open their campaign against the Republic in Poznan on Sunday evening.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17743/croatia_lose_olic_for_euro_2012

Olic ruled out of Euro 2012

Croatia striker Ivica Olic has been ruled out of Euro 2012 with a thigh injury, the country’s football federation has announced.

Croatia coach Slaven Bilic had been sweating over the fitness of the Bayern Munich striker since he sustained a thigh injury in the 1-1 friendly draw against Norway at the weekend.

A scan has revealed a partial rupture of the biceps muscle of the 32-year-old’s right thigh, with an estimated recovery of four to six weeks.

Bilic has acted quickly to replace Olic, calling Dnipro’s 24-year-old striker Nikola Kalinic, who has 13 caps to his name, into the squad.

Croatia will kick off their Euro campaign against Republic of Ireland before taking on Italy and Spain.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/olic-ruled-out-of-euro-2012/95843/

Stricken M´Vila to travel with France

The French Football Federation (FFF) has confirmed Yann M’Vila will remain with the France squad for Euro 2012 despite an ankle injury.

The Stade Rennais midfielder picked up a knock in France’s 2-0 friendly win over Serbia, and it was initially feared he could miss the European Championship due to the injury.

However, an MRI scan has revealed the 21-year-old’s physical problems are less serious than previously thought, and he will not have to withdraw from the squad for Euro 2012.

“The MRI confirmed that it’s a moderately serious sprain, without aggravating factors. It’s running its course, there are no complications,” an official statement from FFF read.

M’Vila will travel to Ukraine with the rest of the France squad on Wednesday, but he is unlikely to make a full recovery before their Group D opener against England on June 11.

After the England match, France take on tournament co-hosts Ukraine and then Sweden.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/stricken-m%c2%b4vila-to-travel-with-france/95831/

Croatia´s Olic in doubt for Euro 2012

Experienced Wolfsburg striker Ivica Olic is in doubt for Croatia’s Euro 2012 campaign due to a thigh injury.

Olic, 32, picked up the problem during his team’s 1-1 friendly draw against Norway on Sunday, and may not regain fitness in time for the tournament.

Croatia coach Slaven Bilic may now be forced to reconsider his attacking options ahead of their Euro 2012 opener against Republic of Ireland on June 10.

“I cannot guarantee that Olic will play at the Euros,” Croatia squad doctor Zoran Bahtijarevic told Sportske Novosti.

“We did the first medical exam at the stadium in Oslo to check the flexibility of the muscle. It seemed fine, but he will undergo a complete scan on Monday in Munich.

“I’m an optimist. So far the medical evidence suggests he could (play at the Euros), but let’s wait until the scan.”

Following the Group C match against Republic of Ireland, Croatia take on Italy and then tournament holders Spain.

Olic has agreed a switch to Wolfsburg on a free transfer from Bayern Munich, bringing an end to his three-year stay at the Allianz Arena.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/croatia%c2%b4s-olic-in-doubt-for-euro-2012/95827/

M'Vila injured in France win World Soccer Shop

A potentially serious injury to key midfielder Yann M'Vila took the shine off an otherwise encouraging 2-0 victory for France over Serbia.

M'Villa: Hobbles out of France's clash with Serbia

Rennes midfielder M'Vila took a kick to the ankle from Dusan Tadic in the opening exchanges and although he tried to carry on he left the pitch in obvious distress with just four minutes on the clock.

His team-mates went on to win with ease, scoring early goals through Franck Ribery and Florent Malouda while creating several other chances, but it will be the diagnosis for his central lynchpin that will most concern Laurent Blanc with less than two weeks until the start of their Euro 2012 campaign.

Germany continue to search for their form nine days ahead of their Euro 2012 bow against Portugal after stumbling to a 2-0 friendly win over Israel in Leipzig.

Against the nation ranked 58 in the world by FIFA, Mario Gomez gave Joachim Low's side the lead just before the break.

A late goal from Andre Schurrle earned Germany a slightly more respectable margin of victory but, after losing 5-3 to Switzerland last weekend, Low still has a lot of fine-tuning to do before things get serious on June 9.

Kiriakos Papadopoulos scored the only goal in the 24th minute as Greece completed preparations for the European Championship finals by claiming their first win in five games against Armenia.

Fernando Santos' side faced going to the finals in disarray after failing to win in any of their four previous friendlies, including a disappointing 1-1 draw against Slovenia in Kufstein last Saturday.

The early strike from Papadopoulos will have restored confidence in the Greek side, who begin their finals campaign against hosts Poland in the opening match next Friday.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17558/m_vila_injured_in_france_win

Barry out, Parker fit for England

Gareth Barry has been ruled out of Euro 2012 with a stomach muscle injury with Phil Jagielka coming into England’s squad.

A scan on Monday revealed that Barry has a tear in a lower abdominal muscle and manager Roy Hodgson has decided to leave the Manchester City midfielder behind when he takes England to the European Championships.

Everton defender Jagielka, who played in England’s 1-0 friendly win over Norway on Saturday, has been picked as Barry’s replacement.

“I’m very disappointed to lose Gareth,” Hodgson said.

“Not only was he a member of my original 23-man squad but he has featured prominently in the England team over the last few years.

“I know how much he wanted to be part of the tournament but I’m sure he will still have a part to play with England after the Euros.

“I wish him a speedy recovery.”

But in some good news for Hodgson, Tottenham midfielder Scott Parker has proven his fitness for the tournament in Poland and Ukraine, which starts on June 8.

An Achilles injury had cast doubt over Parker’s participation at Euro 2012 with Hodgson required to name his final 23-man squad on Tuesday.

But Parker’s 55 minutes of action against Norway has convinced Hodgson that the defensive midfielder is fit.

Parker was happy with his performance against Norway in Hodgson’s first match as England’s boss.

“It’s always important to be out there,” Parker said.

“It’s a fresh start and, in a way, you’ve got to prove to him you’re worthy of a place in his team.

“It was good to get out there and as a team we showed what we can do.”

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/barry-out-parker-fit-for-england/95407/

Jags replaces Barry for England World Soccer Shop

Phil Jagielka has been called up to England's Euro 2012 squad after midfielder Gareth Barry was ruled out through injury.

Jagielka: Confirmed in 23-man England squad

Manchester City's Barry suffered a tear to his lower abdomen against Norway in Oslo on Saturday.

His withdrawal was confirmed after Barry had a scan in the north-west on Monday.

Everton centre-back Jagielka has been called up as his replacement, the Football Association confirmed.

"I am very disappointed to lose Gareth, not only was he a member of my original 23-man squad but he has featured prominently in the England team over the last few years," said manager Roy Hodgson.

"I know how much he wanted to be part of the tournament but I'm sure he will still have a part to play with England after the Euros.

"I wish him a speedy recovery."

Barry's place was in doubt after he lasted less than half an hour of a second-half appearance in Saturday's friendly win over Norway in Oslo.

After the game Hodgson said he may have to trust Barry to let him know exactly how bad the injury was.

It is not thought that was necessary, though, with scans indicating there was no way the Manchester City man was going to be fit to play any meaningful role in Poland and Ukraine this summer.

Jagielka had been tipped to come in and strengthen Hodgson's defensive options.

The Everton man was produced an excellent performance in Norway alongside Joleon Lescott - a pairing that kept Spain out in November and are now pressurising Chelsea duo John Terry and Gary Cahill.

They will report for duty at England's Watford base on Tuesday, along with the remainder of Hodgson's 23-man squad.

That number will include Danny Welbeck and Glen Johnson, who had been doubts with ankle and toe injuries respectively.

However, it seems those problems have cleared up, along with Scott Parker's Achilles injury, and the FA are anticipating having to make no further changes when they submit their official squad to UEFA at 11am on Tuesday.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17307/jags_replaces_barry_for_england

Hodgson wants honesty from Barry

England manager Roy Hodgson will demand honesty from Gareth Barry over his groin injury before naming his Euro 2012 squad on Tuesday.

The midfielder was forced off less than 30 minutes into a substitute appearance during Saturday’s 1-0 friendly win over Norway, and requires a scan to determine the extent of the blow.

The scan could, however, be inconclusive, resulting in a dilemma ahead of the May 29 squad submission deadline over whether or not to select a player whose fitness is not assured.

“We only have a couple of days to sort it out and we can’t take any risks,” Hodgson told reporters.

“He is a very honest individual and whilst the scan will tell us a lot, if it doesn’t give us the answer we want I shall be having a very serious discussion with him. He will have to be honest with me and let me know exactly how it is.”

Should the Manchester City midfielder prove too much of a risk ahead of the tournament, the manager hinted that defender Phil Jagielka could be the chosen replacement from the standby list.

With only seven recognised defenders in the squad, the Everton centre-back could get the opportunity to build on his display in the November win against Spain and make up for missing the 2010 World Cup through injury.

“I am prepared to reconfigure,” Hodgson said.

“I am not necessarily looking to replace man-for-man in the midfield area because we have a lot of players in that area.”

Hodgson has received no further bad injury news, however, with Scott Parker suffering no ill effects from his recent Achilles problem and both Danny Welbeck and Glen Johnson improving.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/hodgson-wants-honesty-from-barry/95386/

International friendlies preview: Euro preparations commence

England will rest Wayne Rooney for their friendly with Norway after it was revealed he carried an injury towards the end of the season.

England manager Roy Hodgson also hinted that Rooney might miss England’s other Euro 2012 warm-up, against Belgium, a week later.

“He won’t be involved in the Norway game and I don’t know whether I will select him for Belgium at this stage,” Hodgson said.

His absence will give Hodgson a chance to decide who he will use up front for England’s first two group matches in next month’s tournament with Manchester United striker Rooney suspended for those games.

Norway turn their attention to their 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign having missed out on a place in Poland and Ukraine, and will be looking to impress at the Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo.

In other action, world and European champions Spain play Serbia in Switzerland, with coach Vicente del Bosque calling up Chelsea pair Fernando Torres and Juan Mata into his Euro 2012 warm-up squad.

The recall boosts Torres’ hopes of being included in Del Bosque’s final 23-man squad, which will be named early next week.

Serbia, who failed to qualify for Euro 2012, will be led by new coach Sinisa Mihajlovic for the first time.

Elsewhere, Switzerland host another tournament favourite, Germany, in Basel, while fellow Group B competitors, the Netherlands and Portugal, go in as favourites against Bulgaria and Macedonia respectively.

Euro 2012 co-hosts Poland take on Slovakia, while fellow Group A rivals, Greece and Russia, play Slovenia and Uruguay respectively.

The current South American champions, Uruguay, are warming up for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers and sit undefeated and equal first on the standings after three matches.

And ahead of CONCACAF’s next qualifying stage, the USA host Scotland in Florida and Honduras play New Zealand.

World Cup preparations will also be in full swing when El Salvador meet Moldova and Costa Rica host Guatemala.

In other friendlies, Czech Republic play Israel, Denmark will face a stern test against Brazil, Ireland meet Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia should have little trouble in overcoming Estonia.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/international-friendlies-preview-euro-preparations-commence/95066/