Spain coach stands firm over walking wounded

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque called up Barcelona duo Andres Iniesta and Gerard Pique for the Confederations Cup yesterday despite the club's concerns over their injuries.

Iniesta had a relapse on a thigh injury in the Champions League final while Pique will be out for 10-15 days with a muscle tear, according to the treble winners.

"We listen to everyone: the players, the coaches and the clubs," Del Bosque told a news conference after naming his 23-man squad.

"Our medical team is capable of assessing any danger for the player, who is our primary concern. We'll take a view on Thursday when the squad joins up. I am confident they will all be ready for the tournament."

The European champions, who have won six from six in qualifying for the 2010 World Cup, play their first match against New Zealand on June 14, and go on to face Iraq and then South Africa in Group A.