Euro 2012: David Villa Ruled out of Tournament with Leg Injury

Spain will have to defend its UEFA European Football Championship in Poland and the Ukraine this summer without the services of one of its most venerable strikers.

According to Chris Myson of Goal.com, David Villa will miss Euro 2012, as he continues his recovery from a fractured tibia suffered while playing for Barcelona at the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan last December:

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Breaking: David Villa ruled out of Euro 2012. Blow for Spain.

— Chris Myson (@thechrismyson) May 22, 2012"

Coach Vicente del Bosque had previously promised the 30-year-old time to prepare and prove himself prior to the tournament, but Villa's progress to this point discouraged him. The Royal Spanish Football Federation released the following statement regarding Villa's status on its official website:

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David Villa cannot definitely be on the list for Euro 2012.

Villa spoke with the national team doctor this afternoon after the arrival of the team in the Austrian town of Schruns.

After not getting in the final practice and development desired, David Villa spoke with Del Bosque, who relayed that although it was Villa`s wish to be with the team in Poland and Ukraine, that his physical state was "not as good" as would be desirable.

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Del Bosque is scheduled to name his final squad for Euro 2012 on Sunday.

The news comes as a significant blow to La Roja. They will certainly have the attacking talent to compensate for Villa's absence, what with Fernando Torres, Adrian, Alvaro Negredo and Roberto Soldado already available.

But, Villa's poise, productivity and experience will not be so easy to replace. The native of Langreo is Spain's all-time leading scorer with 51 goals in 82 caps for his country.

Spain will embark on its Villa-less future against Italy in Gdasnk in Group C competition on June 10.

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