Spain coach Vicente del Bosque said he's worried about his defenders being fully ready for next year's European Championship.
Del Bosque told Spanish sports paper AS on Saturday that while he has a glut of quality midfielders, he has ''more concerns about defense.''
Specifically, Del Bosque said he hoped Real Madrid defenders Raul Albiol and Alvaro Arbeloa will play more than they have so far this season.
Arbeloa- a regular starter for Madrid coach Jose Mourinho last season- has made one appearance for 13 minutes this season while Albiol has yet to play.
''Of course it would be a problem if they don't play at all,'' the former Madrid manager said. ''But if they play some and are needed, I'll call them up. There are many competitions and I believe they will play some. I suppose they won't be completely inactive.''
Both players helped Spain to win the 2010 World Cup and 2008 European Championship and are expected to take on larger roles as veterans Carles Puyol and Joan Capdevila reach the end of their international careers.
As an alternative, Del Bosque said he can turn to defensive midfielders Sergio Busquets and Javi Martinez.
''We have tried Busquets and Javi Martinez at center back,'' he said. ''But we can't ask them to do things beyond their abilities.''
Spain has already qualified for Euro 2012 after winning all six group games so far.
