Albiol returns to WCup training with Spain

Albiol returns to WCup training with Spain

Published Jul. 4, 2010 7:51 p.m. ET

Spain center back Raul Albiol trained normally for the first time Sunday since injuring his right ankle more than a week ago.

The Real Madrid defender could be available for the European champion's World Cup semifinal match against Germany on Wednesday at Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Albiol fell awkwardly in practice on June 26. He was unavailable for Spain's knockout stage victories over Portugal and Paraguay.

Although he has yet to play at the World Cup, Albiol has made 22 appearances for Spain since his debut in 2007.

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Midfielder Cesc Fabregas withdrew from training early to rest his shoulder, which Spain said he hurt in the 1-0 quarterfinal victory over Paraguay. It did not say which shoulder.

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