Captain Raul is set to begin Spain's World Cup campaign on the bench despite recovering from an ankle injury.

The Real Madrid striker has struggled for form in recent months and Spain coach Luis Aragones has decided to use Fernando Torres, David Villa and Luis Garcia up front against Ukraine in Leipzig on Wednesday.

"I'm not hurt by being a substitute," said Raul.

"All 23 players in the squad want to play, but the coach has chosen 11 for the first game and there will be opportunities for all of us.

"Although I talk to him every day, he hasn't said anything special to me. I'm just another member of the squad and he doesn't have to give me any special explanations.

"I may not be in the starting 11, but that's not important."

Aragones hinted Raul would be used as a substitute.

"This doesn't mean, however, that Raul won't feature in the match at some time," he said.

"I think it would be difficult for him to play 90 minutes and it would be better for him to come on during the game. Raul is the captain and I speak with him enough for him to understand my decision."