Spain coach Saez calls up defenders Cesar and Juanito
Spain coach Inaki Saez has called centre-backs Cesar and Juanito into his squad to play Italy on Wednesday as cover for Carles Puyol and Carlos Marchena who have withdrawn through injury.
Spain coach Inaki Saez has called centre-backs Cesar and Juanito into his squad to play Italy on Wednesday as cover for Carles Puyol and Carlos Marchena who have withdrawn through injury.
Deportivo Coruna defender Cesar was in the team that beat Denmark 2-0 in a friendly last month, while Juanito, who plays for Real Betis, made his last appearance in September in the 2-1 victory over Ukraine in a Euro 2004 qualifier.
Barcelona's Puyol will be out of action for two to three weeks after damaging his ankle ligaments in his side's 2-1 victory over Real Madrid on Sunday.
Valencia centre-back Carlos Marchena pulled out of the squad after picking up a knee injury in his side's 1-1 draw against Athletic Bilbao.
The friendly against Italy in Genoa is Saez's last chance to try out players before naming his squad for Euro 2004.
Spain have been drawn against hosts Portugal, Russia and Greece in Group A in the tournament.