Spain's preparations for the upcoming World Cup carry on, but the national side suffered a scare during a recent training session. With their next game being their Group B clash with Portugal, La Roja witnessed Gerard Pique pick up an injury.
The defender hurt his left knee during practice with the national side and was forced to withdraw from the session. The Barcelona man complained of slight discomfort and thus left early only to train alone afterward.
However, according to Marca, this incident was nothing to worry about. According to the Spanish publication, Pique's problem was immediately ruled out as he had not suffered anything serious that would put his World Cup spot in danger.
"Pique withdraws from the training with the Spanish national team after feeling discomfort in his left knee"
Piqué se retira del entrenamiento de la selección española tras sentir molestias en su rodilla izquierda. pic.twitter.com/2D7cNw67A7
— El Chiringuito TV (@elchiringuitotv) June 11, 2018
With only a few days remaining before La Furia Roja open their campaign against Cristiano and Co, the Blaugrana center-back will need to be cautious. Furthermore, this being his last major competition for the national side makes his participation all the more special.
Despite only being 31, the center-back has confirmed that he will retire from international football after returning from Russia. Nonetheless, he will play a key role in Lopetegui 's back-four.
The 2010 champion is expected to make the knockout stage regardless of how they fare against Portugal. With Iran and Morocco being the two other nations in Spain's group, the European giant is tipped to reach the round of 16 with ease.
Friday, 15 June 2018 | |||||
Live | 2:00pm Group B 9:00pm local (Sochi) Olimpiyskiy Stadion Fisht |
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Wednesday, 20 June 2018 | |||||
Live | 2:00pm Group B 9:00pm local (Kazan) Kazan' Arena |
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Monday, 25 June 2018 | |||||
Live | 2:00pm Group B 8:00pm local (Kaliningrad) Kaliningrad Stadium |
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Sunday, 1 July 2018 | |||||
Live | 10:00am Round of 16 5:00pm local (Moscow) Stadion Luzhniki |
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