Del Bosque issues Torres warning

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque says out-of-form Chelsea striker Fernando Torres faces the prospect of missing out on a place at Euro 2012.

The former Atletico Madrid star has been below par since completing a transfer to Stamford Bridge from Premier League rivals Liverpool, starting many matches from the bench.

Torres was a key part of the Spain team that lifted the 2008 European Championships, but Del Bosque affirmed that if he did not see an improvement, it would be hard for the striker to feature in his plans for the upcoming tournament.

“It’s a concern. He isn’t playing much. There are five months to go to the European Championships, in which everything can turn around,” Del Bosque told AS.

“But if the situation doesn’t change it’s going to be difficult for him. Fernando deserves respect for his career and he has our confidence. But if he doesn’t play… well, time will tell.”

“If he plays and he’s fine he will go to the Euros. He has contributed to the success we’ve had and he has some leeway.”

Torres has appeared 37 times for Chelsea since completing a move in January 2011, hitting the net on just five occasions.