Barcelona defender Gerard Pique's spot in the Spain XI for La Roja's World Cup Group B opener against Netherlands on Friday is believed to be in severe doubt.

According to AS, Spain boss Vicente del Bosque paired Bayern Munich's Javi Martinez and Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos at the heart of his defence during a training session on Monday afternoon.

Martinez and Ramos started both of Spain's warm-up matches against Bolivia and El Salvador and it is understood that this will be the partnership for the clash with Netherlands in three days.

Barca's Jordi Alba is almost certain to start at left-back, but the right-back position will be contested by Chelsea's Cesar Azpilicueta and Atletico Madrid's Juanfran.

Spain are the current European and world champions.