Sergio Busquets to start against Slovakia — report

Even as Spain’s UEFA Euro 2020 campaign hangs by the thread, they are set to be handed a huge boost ahead of the do-or-die contest against Slovakia.

La Roja have made an awful start to the European Championships, as they sit third in Group E, following two draws in two games against Sweden (0-0) and Poland (1-1).

Luis Enrique’s side have looked below par in their opening two games and need all three points against Slovakia in order to go through to the knockout stages. A draw or a loss would leave them dependent on results elsewhere to qualify as one of the four best-placed third teams.

However, heading into this crucial encounter, Spain have been handed a timely boost as veteran midfielder Sergio Busquets is set to start against Slovakia, reports Mundo Deportivo.

The Barcelona midfield mainstay and the captain of the Spanis national team has not been involved in the tournament so far after he tested positive for coronavirus in the lead-up. As a result, he was forced to self-isolate at home for over ten days.

However, Busquets was reincorporated into the squad this past Friday. And, even though the Poland game came too quickly for the veteran, he is expected to be available for Wednesday’s contest against Slovakia and it seems like Enrique is set to use him from the kickoff.

Experience matters

In the first two games at the Euro, Enrique has gone with a largely new-look Spain side. While freshness is a good thing, the lack of experience beyond Jordi Alba and Koke has been a sight of concern.

The manager decided not to call up Sergio Ramos for the squad, former Barcelona star Thiago Alcantara has been left on the bench and with Busquets unavailable as well, La Roja have lacked a leader on the field.

But now that the Barcelona ace is at his disposal, Enrique is set to throw him into the mix of things immediately, hoping that he can add that missing element of experience and leadership on the field.

The 32-year-old’s ability to control and dictate the tempo of the game could prove to be critical for Spain when they lock horns with Slovakia come Wednesday.