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Villa's Return to Spanish Squad Might Be Short-Lived After Sustaining Injury

After suffering a muscle strain in training Sunday, David Villa may have to sit out Spain's qualifier against Liechtenstein.

MADRID (AP) — Spain says striker David Villa is doubtful for its World Cup qualifier against Liechtenstein on Tuesday after injuring a muscle during training.

Villa's injury occurred Sunday, a day after Spain beat Italy 3-0 to take the lead of their qualifying group.

Villa played the final two minutes of the match against Italy, his first after a three-year absence from Spain's team.

The 35-year-old Villa is Spain's all-time leading scorer with 59 goals in 98 matches.

He stars for club team New York City FC. Villa is the reigning MLS MVP and is one of the favorites for this season's award as he is eight goals away from tying MLS's record for goals in a season.

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