Spain defender Salgado doubtful for Euro 2004

Spain fullback Michel Salgado could miss out on Euro 2004 after injuring his left leg during training on Tuesday.

The Real Madrid defender sustained the injury in a practice match at the end of the second of the day's two training sessions.

An initial diagnosis suggested he had suffered a muscle tear and could be sidelined for up to three weeks, but national team doctor Genaro Borras hoped Salgado might be available to play at some stage during the three-week tournament.

"Everything points to quite a big muscle tear in his left leg," Borras told Radio Marca. "But it still isn't certain."

"We'll have to look at him tomorrow and decide what to do, although I think that it shouldn't be the sort of injury that will rule the lad out of a big tournament like this."

"Michel can't believe it...but he knows these things can happen. No one can predict a muscle injury like this and sometimes miraculous recoveries do occur."

If the injury is confirmed, Salgado would be likely to miss all of Spain's matches in Group A, where they have been drawn against hosts Portugal, Greece and Russia.

The 28-year-old was shaping up to be Spain's first-choice right back but, if he is forced to withdraw, coach Inaki Saez may decide to call up Deportivo Coruna right back Manuel Pablo.

Pablo was in the squad for the recent friendly against Italy.

Saez has until Wednesday to present his official squad list to UEFA, but the regulations allow subsequent changes if a player suffers a serious injury.

Spain play Russia in their opening match on June 12.