Marchena wants Xavi void filled

(GSM) – Spain defender Carlos Marchena has urged his team-mates to fill the void left by the injured Xavi as the world champions tackle Lithuania and Scotland.

Vicente del Bosque will be without the midfield maestro for the two Euro 2012 Group I qualifiers on Friday and Tuesday due to tendinitis.

With Barcelona already struggling without the influential schemer, losing twice and drawing once in the three matches he has not started in this term, while winning six and drawing once when he has been in the first XI.

But veteran centre-back Marchena believes Spain can cope without the 30-year-old, Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas, who is his immediate replacement, is also absent through injury.

When asked if Spain were dependent on Xavi, the new Villarreal player said: “We hope not.

“Xavi is important in this side, but there are other team-mates who can take on his role with calm and confidence.

“We hope to be prepared so that we don’t notice any player being missing.”