Posted: Thursday October 9, 2008 4:33PM; Updated: Thursday October 9, 2008 4:33PM

Six Spaniards in doubt for World Cup qualifier

TALLINN, Estonia (AP) -- Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has several injury concerns ahead of his team's first ever match against Estonia in Saturday's World Cup qualifier.

Defender Sergio Ramos and midfielder Andres Iniesta, who were both regular starters as Spain won the European Championship in June, are nursing leg injuries that have kept them from training since the squad gathered Tuesday.

Injured defenders Carles Puyol, Carlos Marchena and Raul Albiol are expected to be available, while winger Santi Cazorla is likely to overcome his foot contusion. Juanito Gutierrez is a likely fill-in at center back.

Winger Diego Capel has already pulled out because of a leg injury and was replaced by Albert Riera.

Del Bosque is considering midfield changes in a team that is unbeaten in 25 games and ranked No. 1 by FIFA. Xabi Alonso is tipped to relegate holding midfielder Marcos Senna to a substitute for the first time since before Euro 2008.

Senna, a nationalized Brazilian, was one of the team's key players at the tournament in Austria and Switzerland and has carried his form over to the Spanish league to help Villarreal sit top of the standings on points with Valencia.

Spain midfielder Xavi Hernandez said the team was still thriving off its first major championship title in 44 years.

"Without a doubt, we all feel more appreciated, more important across the world. We just needed to win something," Xavi said. "Myself, personally, I feel better prepared, stronger."

Estonia, which lost 7-0 to Bosnia in September, will be without striker Andres Oper due to a leg injury.

"It's clear that Spain is likely to be the dominating side in this game. It's tg0274glbhd r i AP-SouthAfricagivesgo-ah ... 10-09 0029 AP-South Africa gives go-ahead for sales of ivory to Japan, ...,0034 South Africa gives go-ahead for sales of ivory to Japan, China under exemption to trade ban