Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Spain manager Vicente Del Bosque has underlined his disappointment that David Villa has not recovered from his broken fibia in time to take part in the European Championships.
The Barcelona striker is the national side's all-time leading scorer with 51 goals in 82 games but has not played since December and finally ruled himself out of contention this week despite a desperate late attempt to be fit in time for the naming of Del Bosque's squad on Sunday.
The former Real Madrid boss told AS, "We had experience with this type of injury but we didn't want to hamper his efforts.
"Everyone was telling us he was doing very well in his physical preparation and everything would be fine for the national team so this has been a setback.
"There were also those who said he wasn't going to arrive, but I knew he was very special.
"He has been vital in winning the Euros and the World Cup so it isn't strange that we were hoping we would make it."
Despite losing their talisman however, Spain are still favourites amongst many to retain the title they won in Austria four years ago and Del Bosque does not believe that expectation is a negative thing for the squad.
"Before the World Cup and now there has been optimism and that is healthy. They are putting us as favourites and we can't hide that. This is the reality but we know there are very strong countries and we have to fight like sportsmen."
The final squad of 23 will not be named until Sunday due to Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao's participation in the Copa del Rey final tonight.
Spain begin their preparations for the Euros with a friendly against Serbia tomorrow and, although Del Bosque has been working with a rather different squad this week to the one that will eventually go to Poland, he still believes the experience has been a fruitful one.
"When you make a squad or a line-up you always hurt someone because you can't play everyone so imagine how it must feel to not go to the European Championships.
"In the training sessions it has been as if everyone was going to continue.
"They are a high-quality squad and you can only pick 23, but they have to use this feeling as an incentive for the future. Some of them had already gone on holiday but have come here and been brilliant, I can't have a single complaint."
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments