SEVILLE, Spain (AP) - Spain winger Jesus Navas’ long spell on the sidelines looks likely to have cost him his place at the World Cup despite the Manchester City player having recovered from an ankle injury.
Navas helped Spain win the World Cup four years ago but was unavailable over the close of the club season by an ankle injury.
“Navas is better, in nearly perfect condition but after two months without any training means we’d like to bring someone who is in better shape,” Spain coach Vicente del Bosque said Friday after the world champions beat Bolivia 2-0 in an international friendly.
“We prefer to bring someone in playing shape.”
Del Bosque was optimistic striker Diego Costa could be available but will not commit to the Atletico striker before Saturday, when the 23-squad list is released. Costa has been hobbled by a nagging thigh muscle injury over the past three weeks.
Midfielder Ander Iturraspe and fullback Alberto Moreno would not be in Brazil despite making the initial list.
Spain opens its World Cup defense against Group B rival the Netherlands on June 13 in Salvador.
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