Fabregas hoping to be fit in time

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque is confident midfielder Cesc Fabregas will have recovered from a thigh problem in time for when Euro 2012 gets underway next month.



The Barcelona man is struggling with a thigh strain picked up in his club's Spanish cup final victory over Athletic Bilbao last Friday.



He did not feature in Spain's 4-1 friendly victory over South Korea on Wednesday night but the Spain coach is expecting him to be fit when the holders' campaign gets underway in Poland and Ukraine.



Del Bosque said: "We hope Fabregas will be on good form and he's forecast to be at the finals."



Meanwhile, the boss was delighted to see Chelsea striker Fernando Torres on target against the South Koreans.



Torres headed the world champions in front early on and, after Kim Do-Heon had equalised for the Koreans just before the break, second-half strikes from Xabi Alonso, Santi Cazorla and Alvaro Negredo ensured a highly satisfactory evening.



The match in Bern, Switzerland, was Spain's penultimate outing before they defend their European Championship title. They play China in Seville on Sunday before heading to the tournament.



Del Bosque told the Spanish football federation's official website: "We leave happy because we have had a few fantastic days' training, no injuries, we've played two games and there has been a magnificent relationship among the group."



Torres' goal means he is now the fourth highest Spanish goalscorer of all-time and Del Bosque was particularly pleased with his contribution.



"He is one of those players that offers speed, movement and combination play with his team-mates," said the manager.



"He seemed delighted with the goal and this is good for everyone."



Del Bosque was still without the nine Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao players who will join the squad in preparation for the European Championship on Friday, having been allowed time to rest after the Copa del Rey final, so six players who had missed out on the 23-man squad were included.





"Everyone has been great," said Del Bosque. "even though they know come Friday they will not be here.



"This hasn't just been a preparation but they have put in place the roots for the future of the national team.



"The Barcelona and Athletic players return to activity when we get back for the friendly against China. I hope we have a great atmosphere there and it will be a good send-off before the Euros."