Martinez prepared to fill Alonso’s shoes

(GSM) – Spain midfielder Javi Martinez will be prepared to start in the Spanish midfield should Xabi Alonso fail to recover in time for the match against Portugal on Tuesday. Alonso sprained his ankle in Spain’s 2-1 Group H win over Chile and the Athletic Bilbao midfielder may step in to fill the void.

The 21-year-old said that – while he hopes Alonso will be ready to play – he will be prepared if he gets the nod.

“I hope that Xabi recovers as he is a key part of the team,” Martinez told a news conference at Spain’s training base on Sunday.

“But if I get my turn then I am totally prepared. It’s a responsibility but I will do everything in my power to try and do the job well.”

Losing the experienced Alonso is a major blow for Spain. But with Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas among those on the Spain bench, manager Vicente Del Bosque would not need to panic.

Meanwhile Del Bosque said on Saturday that he had full confidence in Martinez, who replaced Alonso in the 73rd minute against Chile.