Fabregas is likely to start in place of struggling strikers Fernando Torres. -Photo by AP

POTCHEFSTROOM, South Africa: Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas is ready to play in Wednesday’s World Cup semifinal match against Germany despite feeling some pain in his shoulder.

Fabregas told Spanish media he may need a painkilling injection in his right shoulder to play in the match at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium.

“It’s painful but when you are up for it, it’s fine,” Fabregas was quoted as saying in Monday’s Spanish daily Sport.

“I am ready to get an injection to play. If (coach Vicente) Del Bosque needs me I’ll be there.”

Spain said Fabregas trained normally with the rest of the squad — apart from reserve center back Raul Albiol — during Monday’s closed session. Albiol continued his recovery from an ankle injury.

Fabregas had withdrawn early from Sunday’s training as a precaution after hurting his shoulder in the 1-0 quarterfinal win over Paraguay. Fabregas replaced Fernando Torres after 56 minutes.

Meanwhile, Torres has said he still has not fully recovered from undergoing knee surgery in April.

The Liverpool striker has failed to score in five games at the tournament so far and said Monday he has had his share of “difficult moments” in South Africa.

Torres has started the last four games but doesn’t think his place is guaranteed, and is willing to be a substitute on Wednesday.

Spain beat Germany in the 2008 European Championship final with Torres scoring the only goal.