National Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has confirmed the Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas will make his return from injury in Thursday's friendly against South Korea.
The Gunners Arsenal have turned down a bid from the Spanish champions Barcelona and have strongly underlined they do not want to "enter into any discussion" regarding a transfer for the player they coaxed from Barca in 2003.
Cesc Fabregas, who wants to return to Camp Nou, recently revealed he had left his future in the hands of Arsene Wenger as he focuses on the World Cup.
He has not made an appearance since Arsenal's 2-2 draw with Barca in the Champions League on March 31 as he fractured his leg in a challenge with Carles Puyol, ruling him out of the return leg that Barca won 4-1.
But Del Bosque will play Fabregas in Innsbruck and, barring any further setback, the Arsenal captain will be available when Spain begin their World Cup campaign against Switzerland on June 16.
"Cesc is very good," Del Bosque said. "He's training better every day. It's certain he will be one of those who'll play."
Liverpool striker Fernando Torres is unlikely to be risked against South Korea as he continues his recovery from knee surgery in April, but having returned to training this week he will be available for the Switzerland fixture.
"He is very well," said Del Bosque. "Although he missed a session yesterday [Tuesday] it wasn't because he had a problem but as a precaution. We need to be careful with him.
"We have no doubt he will be ready for us on June 16 in perfect condition. We aren't going to take risks. We'll use him when the medical staff and the player are happy."
If Torres does not play against South Korea then David Villa could function as a lone striker. It is a role that Barcelona's new signing is comfortable in, but he has told Del Bosque he is ready to play out wide if the coach requires.
source: http://soccernet.espn.go.com/
