Xabi Alonso is ready to stake his claim for a regular place in the Spain midfield for the World Cup qualifier against Belgium.

With Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas and Andres Iniesta both injured, the Real Madrid man would seem the obvious choice alongside Xavi and the defensive Marcos Senna.

Alonso, who left Liverpool to return to La Liga in the summer, said: "I have been working with Xavi in training and I think it went well. When I play with Senna it is no problem either."

David Villa and Liverpool frontman Fernando Torres are expected to spearhead Spain's attack.

The European champions are currently six points clear of Bosnia-Herzegovina at the top of Group Five following a 100% record, with four matches remaining.

Turkey, though, appear to have a real fight on their hands for the play-off place, as they are currently four points back in third after recording just two wins.

Fatih Terim's side host Estonia on Saturday, before heading to Zenica for next week's crunch showdown against Bosnia-Herzegovina, who are expected to win away to bottom country Armenia.

Belgium, meanwhile, continue to struggle for consistent form and are down in fourth place.

Defeat in Spain would all but end their hopes of reaching the World Cup finals in South Africa.

Defender Timmy Simons told Le Soir newspaper: "Even if we know it's going to be really difficult, we still have a mathematical possibility of qualifying so we should keep belief."

Dutchman Dick Advocaat is set to take over from the axed Rene Vandereycken in January 2010, so in the meantime assistant coach Frankie Vercauteren continues to be in charge.

Goalkeeper Silvio Proto has remained in Belgium to be with his wife, who is about to give birth.