Valencia defender Carlos Marchena has withdrawn from the Spain squad for Saturday’s friendly against China and next week’s Group Seven qualifier against Serbia & Montenegro because of injury.

The 25-year-old has been suffering from a groin strain.

“He didn’t make the cut,” said national team doctor Genaro Borras.

“He was still suffering from pain today and wasn’t going to be fit in time, so it was pointless him remaining here.”

Skipper Raul also missed training on Wednesday and is unlikely to play in the China friendly.

But Borras said that Deportivo Coruna midfielder Juan Carlos Valeron, had recovered from a stomach upset.

“He has not recovered completely, but he should be ready for the match,” he said. “He no longer has any fever, although he has still got a few pains in the stomach.”