How are Spain preparing for Euro 2012?
Spain's preparations will not be helped by the final of the Copa del Rey on May 25, which sees Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao fight it out for the last trophy of the campaign. Around half of Spain's squad for Euro 2012 will be involved in that match, just two days before the final selection is announced by coach Vicente del Bosque. Those players are also likely to miss out on La Roja's training camp in Austria between May 22 and 29, as well as the friendly games in Switzerland versus Serbia (May 26) and South Korea (May 30). Spain then return home for their final warm-up match against China in Sevilla on June 3, before flying out to Poland two days later.

What is Spain's realistic target for Euro 2012?
Spain are looking to become the first team to win a European Championship, a World Cup and then another continental competition in successive tournaments - and they go to Poland and Ukraine as the big favourites. Anything but a win will be a disappointment for Del Bosque's side, but that brings added pressure and a long, hard Spanish season could take its toll.

What is Spain's toughest group game?
The defending champions are up against Italy, Ireland and Croatia in the group stages. On paper, you would expect Italy to be the toughest rival and historically, Spain have struggled against the Azzurri. But Ireland are the kind of defensively disciplined outfit that can makes things complicated for La Roja, too, as Switzerland did in the World Cup.

Are there any fitness concerns?
Spain have been robbed of talismanic defender Carles Puyol, who misses the tournament with a knee injury - a huge blow for the holders. David Villa is a big doubt. With the Euros fast approaching, the striker has yet to return from a broken leg sustained in December and even Del Bosque has admitted it would be a risk to take the Barca forward to Poland and Ukraine. Barca duo Gerard Pique and Xavi have had their injury problems this term, too, but should be fit for the summer showpiece.

Could there be any surprise call-ups?
Thiago Alcantara is an outside bet, but Spain have so many midfielders to choose from, while Valencia's Roberto Soldado could be in line for a place after an impressive season at Mestalla. Atletico's Adrian Lopez is another alternative in attack, but Barca duo Isaac Cuenca and Cristian Tello look unlikely to follow in the footsteps of team-mate Pedro, who made it to the World Cup in South Africa following an impressive campaign in 2009-10.

What is the biggest issue for the coach to resolve?
Del Bosque has to make a call on Torres and decide whether to risk Villa. He also has problems in defence, as Puyol is out and Pique's form and lack of games is a worry. There are limited alternatives as Albiol has barely featured this term and Villarreal's Carlos Marchena is unlikely to make the cut. He could decide, as Jose Mourinho has done, to move Madrid's Sergio Ramos inside to a centre-back role or to utilise a midfielder, such as Javi Martinez, in defence.