David de Gea: David Villa absence is a shame

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has claimed that David Villa's absence from Spain's Euro 2012 squad is a "shame".

The Barcelona striker was ruled out of the tournament earlier this week after failing to recover from a fractured tibia that he sustained in December.

"He is a key player for this team, top scorer at the World Cup, so it is a shame that he is not here," De Gea told reporters.

"We hope he will recover as soon as possible to return to the field."

Holders Spain begin their campaign against Italy on Sunday, June 10.