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Costa, Mata, Torres and Cazorla left out of Spain squad

May 17, 2016 17:29 IST

IMAGE: Spain players Juan Mata (R) and Diego Costa listen to a question at the beginning of a news conference. Photograph: Andrea Comas/Reuters.

Premier League-based trio Diego Costa, Juan Mata and Santi Cazorla were among a high-profile list of absentees when Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque named his provisional 25-man squad for Euro 2016 on Tuesday. Costa injured his hamstring against Liverpool in Chelsea’s penultimate game of the season.

Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres was also absent from the squad despite his improved form towards the end of the season, as were Arsenal midfielder Cazorla and Valencia forward Paco Alcacer, Spain’s top scorer in their qualifying campaign.

IMAGE: Fernando Torres is excluded from Spain squad. Photograph: Pilar Olivares/Reuters

Manchester United midfielder Mata, Barcelona's Sergi Roberto and Villarreal's Mario Gaspar were also excluded from the defending champions' squad despite being involved in the March friendlies with Italy and Romania.

Spain will play three friendlies, against Bosnia, South Korea and Georgia before starting the defence of theirtitle against Czech Republic on June. 13.

Squad

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Porto), David De Gea (Manchester United), Sergio Rico (Sevilla)

Defenders: Jordi Alba, Gerard Pique, Marc Bartra (all Barcelona), Sergio Ramos, Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Juanfran (Atletico Madrid)

Midfielders: Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta (both Barcelona), David Silva (Manchester City), Mikel San Jose (Athletic Bilbao), Koke, Saul Niguez (both Atletico Madrid), Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea), Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich), Isco (Real Madrid), Bruno Soriano (Villarreal)

Forwards: Pedro Rodriguez (Chelsea), Alvaro Morata (Juventus), Aritz Aduriz (Athletic Bilbao), Nolito (Celta Vigo), Lucas Vazquez (Real Madrid)

Source: REUTERS
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