Spain coach Vicente del Bosque is confident Andres Iniesta and Gerard Pique will be fit for the Confederations Cup.

Del Bosque included the Barcelona pair in his 23-man squad for the tournament although both players are fitness doubts.

Defender Pique is suffering from a thigh injury which Barcelona announced today is likely to keep him sidelined for between 10-14 days, while midfielder Iniesta is struggling again with the thigh problem that plagued him in the build-up to last week's Champions League final.

However, Del Bosque is hopeful the two treble winners will be fit and ready for the opening match of Spain's Confederations Cup campaign against New Zealand on June 14.

"We are fully convinced that there is enough time ahead for them to recover," Del Bosque said.

"We've spoken - not me but the federation - with the players, and with the doctors at the club. We've listened to everyone, but we have a medical team who are the ones who will decide, whilst always safeguarding the player from any danger.

"The physical state of the players has always been one of our main concerns, but in this case we understand and we believe that by June 14, the day Spain makes its debut, that there is sufficient time for them to recover."

Barca doctor Ricard Pruna has also spoken positively about the chances of Pique being able to make the tournament, insisting the centre-back's thigh muscle tear was only a minor injury.

"It shouldn't pose too many problems and we just need to keep an eye on it for 10 or 12 days," said Pruna on his club's website.

"Over the next few days he should do physiotherapy, muscle strengthening work and stretching exercises.

"If he sticks to the timetable then he has a good chance of being in South Africa."

Pique himself is also eager to make the Confederations Cup to cap what has been a remarkable season for the 22-year-old, who in his first year back at Barcelona has helped them win the Primera Liga, Copa del Rey and Champions League.

As well as that club success, Pique was also summoned by his country for the first time earlier this year for the friendly against England.

"It's always exciting when you get called to say you're in the squad. We'll be going to South Africa to win the tournament," said the former Manchester United defender.

"It's been a great season both personally and professionally."

Pique and Iniesta are two of five Barca players included in Del Bosque's squad as Spain look to add the Confederations Cup title to their Euro 2008 crown.

Also included are Carles Puyol, Xavi and young midfielder Sergio Busquets, who like Pique earned his first call-up for the England match.

Of the squad that took on Turkey in the World Cup qualifying double-header in March and April, back in come the fit-again Puyol and Cesc Fabregas while Juanito and the injured Marcos Senna drop out.

Valencia winger Juan Manuel Mata, who was called up for the Turkey games as a late replacement for the injured Iniesta, is also included again.

Spain won both matches against Turkey to move six points clear at the top of their World Cup qualifying group after six games, while they now boast an unbeaten record of 31 matches, of which 29 have ended in victory.

The Spanish have been drawn alongside Iraq, New Zealand and hosts South Africa in Group A for the Confederations Cup. Group B consists of world champions Italy, Brazil, USA and Egypt.

Del Bosque's side begin their tournament against New Zealand on June 14, before then meeting Iraq three days later and South Africa on June 20.

The top two teams from each group go through to the semi-finals, with the final scheduled to be held on June 28.

Prior to the competition Spain will play Azerbaijan in a friendly on June 9 in Baku.