Spain captain Alvaro Morata is confident that he will be available for his country's second match at Euro 2024 after suffering an injury scare against Croatia on Saturday evening.

The Atletico Madrid forward was on the scoresheet in the Group B fixture, finding the back of the net with a cool finish in the 29th minute to send Luis de la Fuente's side on their way to all three points.

The goal was his 36th for Spain, with the 31-year-old set to be central to La Roja's challenge at Euro 2024, but there was some concern when he was substituted in the 67th minute of the game against Croatia.

Morata, though, has said that he only 'took a knock', and his withdrawal was precautionary, with the forward expecting to be fit for the clash with Italy on June 20.

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Morata calms injury fears after substitution

"When so many fans who are dedicated to getting behind us come to a big match like this we really notice the difference. Our supporters were great. And I want to thank them because they helped us start really well," UEFA's official website quotes Morata as saying.

"I thought we played well. We put a terrific national team under big pressure. This is a template for how we have to approach all our matches right from the start.

"My first chance got away from me because the ball didn't move quickly on a dry pitch and that affected my control. The second came when I knew I'd opened a channel down the middle for a pass and I knew Fabian would put it where I needed.

"And after a lovely assist Fabian's added a superb goal of his own. I did take a knock before I came off in the second half. When you take a bump like that it's better to be cautious and I expect to be okay for the Italy match."

136 - Despite their 3-0 victory, Spain had less possession than their opponents (47%) for the first time in a competitive match since the EURO 2008 final against Germany (46%), ending a run of 136 such matches with the majority of possession. Renewal? pic.twitter.com/GE3PF14okd

— OptaJean (@OptaJean) June 15, 2024

Morata made the breakthrough against Croatia

Fabian Ruiz released Morata to score against Croatia, and the midfielder revealed that he had been told by the national side's captain to look for the through balls.

"Alvaro was always telling me to look for long through balls to him – he's fantastic at getting free from his marker. So when I put the ball in front of him, he did all the hard work with a top control and finish," he added.

Morata has now managed seven goals in European Championship finals, putting him joint-third on the list.

Indeed, only Michel Platini, who managed nine goals in the competition for France, and Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo (14) are ahead of him in the all-time top scorers list at the tournament.

Written by
Matt Law