Thigh injury forces Spain’s Isco to miss Russia trip

Real Madrid playmaker Isco withdrew yesterday from the Spain squad for tomorrow’s friendly away to Russia in preparation for next year’s World Cup due to a thigh injury. On his return to his native Malaga, Isco was given a standing ovation as he limped off 25 minutes from time in Saturday’s 5-0 thrashing of Costa Rica after a reckless challenge from Kendall Watson.

“The medical services of his club, who have been informed by the doctors of the national team, will be the ones who will assess the treatment that the player must follow from now,” the Spanish Football Federation said in a statement.

The 25-year-old, who has been a shining light in an otherwise disappointing season so far for Real, now faces a race against time to be fit for Saturday’s derby at city rivals Atletico Madrid.

Spain’s stunning form under coach Julen Lopetegui continued as David Silva scored twice in a 5-0 friendly thrashing of Costa Rica in Malaga on Saturday.

Andres Iniesta, Jordi Alba and Alvaro Morata also netted in a one-sided display from the 2010 world champions.

Lopetegui opted to rest Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea, instead handing a first team debut to Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, but otherwise played a familiar-looking team to the side that swept to the top of their World Cup qualifying group.

Silva, Isco and Iniesta combined to stunning effect throughout the game.