Unlike Blues team-mate Diego Costa, the midfielder was called up for matches against Belarus and Germany despite club boss Jose Mourinho’s claims that he played through injury on Saturday.
Having clashed with the Premier League side over Costa’s fitness earlier this season, Del Bosque now says that there was not a clear problem with his hamstring but that Fabregas himself was adamant that he needed the rest, with La Roja resisting the urge to be suspicious.
"We had to wait a few days to evaluate Cesc's injury and we opted for him not to continue with us," the veteran coach told reporters.
"His muscle seems all right but he complains and he is the best doctor. I prefer not to be deceived but I cannot be distrustful.
"When a player of his calibre tells you that he is injured, you have to believe him.
"At times we have been flexible but not in this case."
