Iniesta to miss Honduras clash

20 June 2010 22:18

Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta is expected to miss Spain's World Cup Group H clash with Honduras as the European champions look to bounce back from their shock 1-0 loss to Switzerland.

Boss Vicente Del Bosque reported no injuries other than the undisclosed problem for Iniesta.

Honduras midfielder Hendry Thomas suffered a muscle strain on Friday but is expected to be available, while coach Reinaldo Rueda will continue to assess the fitness of striker David Suazo who is battling back from a leg injury.

Carles Puyol accepts Monday's match with Honduras is like a "final" in light of his team's unexpected opening reverse

"The team is really enthusiastic and really keen after the incident the other day and we are looking forward to the next match," he said.

"We want to feel cool and calm, to not be anxious and to play the football we know we can play.

"It is an extremely important match - like a final. We know we have to come out winning. To do that we have to be very respectful of our opponent and we hope to have a good match."

Honduras captain Amado Guevara wants his team to treat Spain with respect but not to be intimidated by them.

He told El Heraldo: "The team is good and ready to play against Spain, we know we have a great responsibility but also that we have a chance to move to the next round. We know that we are playing a team with great tradition and quality but we can win.

"They are not invincible and we must work hard to win, it will be a duel because they have strong technique and we must not allow them time to think."

Source: PA