Spain have announced their 23-man squad which will travel to Brazil this summer for the World Cup, with Diego Costa making the cut while Fernando Llorente, Jesus Navas and Alvaro Negredo have all been omitted.
Costa
converted from a Brazil international to la Roja earlier this season
and had a stunning season with Atletico Madrid, starring as they won La
Liga. However, the 25-year-old has been a major fitness worry throughout
the last few weeks, with a recurring hamstring problem limiting his
participation in the final league match and the Champions League final.
While
Costa has been picked to help Spain defend their crown in South America
this summer, Juventus forward Fernando Llorente and Manchester City
striker Alvaro Negredo miss out.
Fernando Torres might not have
had the best campaign at Chelsea but his performance against Bolivia on
Friday may have helped sway Del Bosque as he will be part of the 23-man
squad.
Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke, linked with Barcelona, is
one of the relatively new faces in the Spain ranks, supported by
veterans like Xavi, Andres Iniesta, David Villa and Gerard Pique.
Manchester
City's Jesus Navas will be disappointed to have been considered
disposable, though the likes of Juanfran Torres and Cesar Azpilicueta
will be delighted be available to Spain.
Spain face Netherlands, Chile and Australia as they bid to defend the World Cup title they won four years ago in South Africa.
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas, Pepe Reina, David de Gea
Defenders: Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique, Raul Albiol, Javi Martinez, Jordi Alba, Cesar Azpilicueta, Juanfran Torres
Midfielders: Koke, Xavi, Xabi Alonso, Andres
Iniesta, Sergio Busquets, Cesc Fabregas, Santi Cazorla, Pedro Rodriguez,
Juan Mata, David Silva
Strikers: Fernando Torres, David Villa, Diego Costa
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