Double blow for Spanish defence

Salgado's Euro 2000 hopes hang in the balance

Spain's preparations for Euro 2000 have taken a setback with injury concerns over two of their star defenders.

Michel Salgado picked up a knock in Real Madrid's 1-0 defeat against Real Valladolid at the weekend and it could be a few days before the full extent of the injury to the right-back is known.

Staying fresh

In the weekend when Deportivo de La Coruña secured their first ever league championship, Madrid were playing their last game of the season in the hope of keeping their players fresh for the Champions League final.

Camacho's anxious wait

Madrid's club doctor Juan Carlos Hernández confirmed that Salgado took a blow on his right knee and he is likely to be considered a doubtful starter for the final against Valencia on Wednesday.

Coach José Antonio Camacho also faces a few nervous days with Fernando Hierro. The highly experienced defender is in the process of returning to fitness from a recurring hamstring injury but the problem is far from over.

Hierro came on for the remaining 20 minutes of the match, his first appearance for Madrid for almost two months, but he was said to be severely uncomfortable after the game.

Hierro said: "I don't feel secure. It's not a question of recuperation but the sensations I'm having - and the sensations are not good."