Spanish coach Vincente Del Bosque has risked an argument with Chelsea by suggesting that he is not sure whether Cesc Fabregas is faking his injury.
Del Bosque said: “His muscle seems all right but he complains and he is the best doctor. I prefer to be deceived but I cannot be distrustful.
“When a player of his calibre tells you that he is injured, you have to believe him.”
The Blues insisted the player was injured and could not join up with his national team for their upcoming games against Belarus and Germany.
But Fabregas, who has scored two goals and set up another 11 in 15 appearances for Chelsea, was still summoned to be assessed by Spain’s doctors.
After a check-up in Madrid the 27-year-old was finally ruled out. Del Bosque said: “We had to wait a few days to evaluate Cesc’s injury and we opted for him not to continue with us.
“At times we have been flexible but not in this case.”