Del Bosque facing selection headaches

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has hinted Barcelona winger Pedro will not be taken to Euro 2012 after an ‘erratic’ season.

The 24-year-old has struggled with injuries this term, preventing him from hitting his best form, and has failed to make an impact for club and country.

The attacker was not called up for his nation’s last friendly, a 5-0 win over Venezuela in February, and Del Bosque said there is no guarantee he will win his place back in time for the European Championships.

“Pedro has been trying his best,” the Spain boss told Sport. “But he’s had an erratic season. We have a limit of 23 players, and we can’t take any more.”

Another doubt for the world and European champions is David Villa, who has been sidelined since December with a broken leg, and Del Bosque said he would take a cautious approach with the Barca striker.

“I’m concerned because we don’t know what the situation is,” the 61-year-old said. “The player is working hard, but haven’t seen the signals from the player that we would like.”

One Barcelona man definitely ruled out of the tournament is Carles Puyol, who has suffered a knee injury. However, Del Bosque is confident Gerard Pique will be able to cover for his Barca team-mate.

“We have great confidence in him, and he’s an important player,” the coach declared of Pique. “In defence, we have many options. Javi Martinez can also play at the back or in midfield.”

Spain kick off their Euro 2012 campaign with a game against Italy on June 10 before facing the Republic of Ireland and Croatia.