‘Carvajal certain to stay with Spain’

Julen Lopetegui is ‘certain’ Dani Carvajal will stick with Spain for the World Cup and notes they are ‘more concerned’ about preparation than Portugal.

Spain face Tunisia in their final warm-up friendly for the World Cup on Saturday, and Lopetegui highlighted the need for ‘physical and mental balance’ before their group opener against Portugal, while expressing optimism about Carvajal’s recovery from a hamstring injury.

“Tunisia? It’s one more step, we didn’t choose Tunisia by chance,” the Coach said at a Press conference.

“They’re a very good, rounded team, who will demand a lot of us. It’s a friendly to refine more things. Hopefully we can make more changes.

“They seem like Morocco in certain ways, like Switzerland were to Portugal. We have to be ready for the first game, so having physical and mental balance is important.

“Busquets? Sergio is perfect, recovered. If nothing else happens, he’ll play tomorrow. Forwards? We’ve plotted lots of things and Aspas as a starter one of them.

“We’ll decide the XI against Portugal nearer the time. Our group? There are no trap doors, only matches.

“Facilities? They’re fantastic, we have no doubts about them whatsoever. They’re spectacular. Carvajal? We have to hold him back.

“He wants to take two steps forward instead of one. I’m certain he’s going to come with us. I don’t know if he’ll be first or second choice, but he’ll certainly come.

“Portugal? Getting there concerns us more. The order of matches is what it is, it can’t be changed.

“They’re European champions, and that’s not given out easily. VAR? There’s no point me saying if I like it more or less. We have to adapt to VAR because it’s here to stay.”

Tags 2018 World Cup Dani Carvajal Spain Tunisia
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