Del Bosque: We have great relations with Rafa

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque insists there is no rift between himself and Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez over the use of Fernando Torres.

Torres has just returned from a knee complaint and could be called up by his country for the squad to play France on March 3, although Benitez would be keen to see the striker return fully fit after seeing him previously pick up injuries while on international duty.

“There’s no truth in the fact that Benitez has complained – we have great relations with Liverpool,” said Del Bosque at FIFA’s Team Workshop in Sun City, South Africa.

“We just want to take care of the player like his club does and make sure he arrives at the World Cup fully fit.”

Del Bosque also hopes speculation surrounding Cesc Fabregas’ future at Arsenal does not affect Spain’s World Cup this summer.

He said: “I just hope that nothing happens during the World Cup because we want him to concentrate on playing and not a transfer.”