Raul losing fitness battle

Raul appears to be losing his battle to be fit enough to start Spain's World Cup quarter-final against South Korea on Saturday.

Although the Real Madrid striker trained today for the first time since injuring his groin in the win over the Republic of Ireland, he did not join in with his team-mates.

Instead he did some jogging, stretching and some light ball work on his own with his upper right leg heavily strapped.

Spanish team doctor Genaro Borras, who supervised Raul's work-out, refused to rule him out completely and claimed he could make the bench.

"We still don't know for definite," said Borras. "He's not going to be 100 per cent fit, but then he could hardly be 100% after missing training all week.

"One positive thing is he didn't feel any pain today, so I wouldn't rule him out.

"Whether he plays or is on the bench, though, will be up to the coach."

Raul's strike partner Fernando Morientes added: "Knowing Raul, if he's not 100% fit, he won't play.

"He didn't take part in the full training session so it's hard to see him playing, but you never know."

If Raul does not start, Morientes is likely to be partnered up front by Juan Carlos Valeron.

Valeron's Deportivo La Coruna team-mate Diego Tristan is expected to start on the bench, after shaking off an ankle injury.