Raul, who suffered a groin injury in Spain's second round win over Ireland, was unable to join his team mates again as they practised on the pitch at Kwangju on Friday.

He did at least return to the field, though, doing some light jogging and stretching exercises and Borras has not given up hope.

"Raul is not ruled out for Saturday," Borras told reporters at pitchside after the squad's training session.

"He had his first training session today and it was satisfactory. He had no pain specifically in his groin, although he did feel general discomfort in his right leg.

"He could play or start on the bench and come on for a few minutes. It will be for the coach to decide."

SOME DISCRETION

Spain coach Jose Antonio Camacho said on Thursday that Raul would not play unless completely fit but Borras appeared to leave room for some discretion.

"Raul won't be at 100 percent but that's logical," Borras said on Friday. "He'll have two more training sessions on his own later today."

Raul has scored three goals in Spain's World Cup campaign and his importance to the team was recognised by strike partner Fernando Morientes.

"I think we gain a great deal offensively with Raul," said Morientes, who has also scored three goals.

"When he's out we lose a bit of cutting edge but there are many more players who can adopt the attitude needed to reach the opposing goal and score."

If Raul does not start, Camacho could opt to play Morientes or Diego Tristan as a lone striker, with midfielder Juan Carlos Valeron playing just behind.

In training on Friday, Camacho left a question mark over his starting line-up by only playing 10 men in the "probables" in a practice match.

That could mean the coach is ready to risk Raul against South Korea. Alternatively, Javi de Pedro could be promoted from the "possibles" to play in a five-man midfield.