Spain coach to experiment in their friendly match against Serbia

 

Madrid: Spain coach Vicente del Bosque will carry out some experiments with his side when Spain kick off their preparations for the European 2012 Championships with a friendly game against Serbia Saturday.

Spain take on the Serbs in the town of St. Gallen in Austria, where Del Bosque has taken his squad to prepare for the Championships.


The fact that he has not taken any players from Athletic Club Bilbao or FC Barcelona, who play in the final of the Spanish Cup Friday night, means that Del Bosque has provisionally called up players such as Atletico Madrid's Adrian Lopez and Betis midfielder Benat Etxabarria, reported Xinhua.

 

Both have a chance of making their debuts for Spain Saturday, with Adrian trying to show he can replace the injured David Villa and Benat looking to prove he can be an able back up to Barca's Xavi Hernandez.

 

Meanwhile Atletico Madrid defender Juanfran Torres could start at left back and a good performance from him would allow Del Bosque to consider playing Sergio Ramos in central defence to replace Carles Puyol, who looks almost certain to miss out with a knee injury.

 

Chelsea duo Fernando Torres and Juan Mata will probably not start the game, joining the squad late after the final of the Champions League, which they won with the English club just under a week ago.

 

This is the only game Spain will play before Del Bosque names his final list Sunday. That list will include several players who are tonight taking part in the Cup final, so the Serbia game is virtually the only chance some members of the current squad have to impress. (IANS)