Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque has said that David Villa's absence from the Euro 2012 tournament is a massive setback for the defending champions.
The striker has been ruled out after missing most of the last season with Barcelona as a result of a broken leg.
Del Bosque said that the 30-year-old was instrumental in Spain's victorious Euro 2008 and World Cup 2012 campaigns.
"We had experience with this type of injury but we didn't want to hamper his efforts," Del Bosque told AS.
"Everyone was telling us he was doing very well in his physical preparation and everything would be fine for the national team so this has been a setback.
"He has been vital in winning the Euros and the World Cup so it isn't strange that we were hoping we would make it."
Villa has amassed 82 caps for his country.
