Spain coach Vicente del Bosque says the decision by Carlo Ancelotti to keep Iker Casillas on Real Madrid’s bench will not affect the goalkeeper’s status on the national team with the World Cup less than a year away.
Ancelotti’s selection of Diego lopez ahead of Casillas in the opening round of the Spanish league last weekend maintained the criticized move of former manager Jose Mourinho. Del Bosque tells Cope radio “I don’t think there will be big changes. We are happy with all three goalkeepers. It’s not a big deal if they are one, two, three or even 10 games without playing.” Del Bosque will announce his squad on August 30 for Spain’s World Cup qualifier against Finland on September 6.
Alonso injured
Real Madrid says Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso has broken a bone in his right foot. The Spanish club did not indicate how long it expects Alonso to be sidelined. Alonso underwent surgery in the offseason on his back and missed Madrid’s preseason and its Spanish league opener last Sunday. Alonso’s physical problems also ruled him out of the Confederations Cup.