VIENNA, Austria (AP) - Spain striker David Villa has been ruled out of Sunday's European Championship final against Germany because of a hamstring injury.
Spain's team doctor Jesus Jimenez said Villa has a small rupture in his right leg muscle that will take five-to-10 days to heal.
"He's been ruled out of the final," Jimenez told reporters.
Villa, who leads the tournament with four goals, limped off in the 34th minute after taking a free kick during Thursday's 3-0 semifinal win over Russia at Ernst Happel Stadium.
Villa, who's scored the only hat trick at Euro 2008 against Russia in Spain's 4-1 win in the group stage two weeks ago, said after the match he would likely sit out the final.
"I'm a little sad that I won't be there to take part, but it's better that a teammate who is fit plays instead of me, particularly as my injury has left me limping quite badly," Villa said.
Despite Villa's absence, Spain dominated the Russians with attacking midfielder Cesc Fabregas replacing him and setting up two goals.
kid stunna said
21:19 06/27 2008
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO f**k!!!!!!!
YO SPAIN MI DEH YA WID U STYLLL!!!!!!!
GERMANY f**k MAN!!!
youngbux said
10:45 07/01 2008
me heart drop wen me hear him injured boy...but the team did good non the less
Spain's team doctor Jesus Jimenez said Villa has a small rupture in his right leg muscle that will take five-to-10 days to heal.
"He's been ruled out of the final," Jimenez told reporters.
Villa, who leads the tournament with four goals, limped off in the 34th minute after taking a free kick during Thursday's 3-0 semifinal win over Russia at Ernst Happel Stadium.
Villa, who's scored the only hat trick at Euro 2008 against Russia in Spain's 4-1 win in the group stage two weeks ago, said after the match he would likely sit out the final.
"I'm a little sad that I won't be there to take part, but it's better that a teammate who is fit plays instead of me, particularly as my injury has left me limping quite badly," Villa said.
Despite Villa's absence, Spain dominated the Russians with attacking midfielder Cesc Fabregas replacing him and setting up two goals.