Madrid, May 30 (IANS): It will be a big night for the Spanish players as chief coach Vicente del Bosque will prune down his squad to 23 members for the FIFA World Cup after the international friendly against Bolivia in Seville on Friday.
Del Bosque is currently working with 19 players for the game with eight more, who played in the Champions League final between Atletico and Real Madrid, due to join up afterwards, reports Xinhua.
That means the Spain coach will have the difficult decision of leaving some of his squad behind when they jet to Washington DC June 2nd to begin the World Cup countdown in earnest and it also means some players have just one game to impress.
That means Athletic Club Bilbao midfielder, Ander Iturraspe, Gerard Deulofeu and right back Dani Carvajal are certain to make their international debuts and get minutes in the game.
All three have options of making the cut, but in the case of Deulofeu and Carvajal, their selection probably depends on the fitness of Manchester City winger, Jesus Navas and Atletico defender, Juanfran Torres, who is struggling with a muscle problem.
Iturraspe may have a better chance of travelling due to doubts over the physical condition of Sergio Busquets and Xavi Hernandez, who without ever being out injured this season have both looked to be below their best.
Meanwhile Deigo Costa continues to be the focus of attention as he looks to recover from the hamstring injury which has put his place at the World Cup finals in jeopardy. Costa is receiving treatment from the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) doctors, but has only until Saturday to prove his fitness.
After stopping to sign autographs for fans on Thursday, he commented he was "better," but whether that will be enough to take him to Brazil still remains to be seen.
Del Bosque is also likely to use Friday' s game to give a debut to David De Gea and the Manchester United goalkeeper will complete a 'set' after having represented his country at every level from Under-15 to full international.
Elsewhere Jordi Alba will play his first minutes since suffering a muscle injury two months ago as Del Bosque looks to try and give players game time without risking any further injuries.