Spain Coach Julen Lopetegui has hinted David Villa will retain his place in the national squad for future matches after Saturday’s appearance against Italy.
The 35-year-old –his nation’s record goalscorer with 59 goals – was recalled to Spain’s squad for the first time in over three years and made a cameo appearance against Italy on Saturday.
Two caps short of 100, the New York City striker had to withdraw from the squad ahead of Tuesday’s trip to Liechtenstein with an adductor injury.
“Villa’s injury is a real setback for us both professionally and personally,” Lopetegui told reporters ahead of Spain’s clash with Liechtenstein.
“It’s sad for everyone but there will be more opportunities for him.
“I didn’t hear to our fans asking for Villa on Saturday – I couldn’t make it out as I was concentrating on the game!
“He came on because it was the right change for us tactically at the time.”
