Spanish central midfielder Andres Iniesta is suffering from gastroenteritis, reports have confirmed.

This serves as a crucial blow to Spain, who are being touted by the media as a strong challenger to Greece’s trophy. Iniesta, who had a huge influence in Spain’s 2-1 win over Peru recently, is suffering from a stomach bug which could affect his crucial preparations just before Euro 2008 kicks off.

Iniesta was unable to meet up with the squad at Santander to face the United States for a friendly. If the stomach bug persists, Iniesta will also miss out on the preparations just before the squad head to Austria and Switzerland.

Although the chances of him pulling out of the squad entirely are next to nothing, he certainly will not be at his level best to face the Russians in Spain’s opening game in a week’s time.

Iniesta has been a key player for both club and country this year, and his form could prove to be detrimental in Spain’s Euro 2008 campaign.