image: perso.orange.fe

Seems that Raul's starting World Cup spot for Spain is under threat. In the sort of move that would give Sven-Goran Eriksson an instant aneurysm, Spanish boss Luis Aragones (who's still a dirty racist in Soccer-Weblog's book, despite this sensible bit of management) has hinted that it's "possible" given Raul's recent lack of playing time and crappy form that the Real Madrid striker could fall behind Atletico Madrid's Fernando Torres and Valencia's David Villa in the pecking order.

In fairness to Raul, it's not all his fault. He only returned to action in February after suffering a horrific injury back in November, when he damaged his left knee cap, external meniscus and anterior cruciate ligament all at the same time. Ouch.