David Villa ruled out of Euro 2012 for Spain

Wednesday 23 May 2012 11:29 BST

The Barcelona forward has failed to prove his fitness (GETTY IMAGES)

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Spain will defend their European Championship title next month without striker David Villa.

The Barcelona forward has failed to prove his fitness to coach Vicente del Bosque after fracturing his tibia while in action at the World Club Challenge in Japan in December.

Del Bosque had promised to give Villa until the last moment to get fit but, with his squad set to be named on Sunday, he has turned him down. A Spanish Football Federation statement said: "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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David Villa ruled out of Euro 2012 for Spain

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