Costa and Mata omitted from Spanish squad

Spanish coach Vicente del Bosque has left Chelsea striker Diego Costa out of his provisional squad for Euro 2016 along with Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata and Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres.

Brazil-born Costa has scored one goal in 10 games since switching allegiance.The 27-year-old missed Chelsea’s final two games of the season with a persistent hamstring injury.His discipline record has seen him miss out on appearing in recent international fixtures and is possibly a factor in his exclusion.

“We didn’t want to have too many players with doubts regarding their physical condition,” said Del Bosque, who led Spain to 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012 victories.

Costa has struggled to adapt to the Spanish set-up.
Costa has struggled to adapt to the Spanish set-up.

Mata, 28, featured in both of Spain’s friendly matches in March, but misses out on the Euros.Torres, 31, has scored seven goals in his past 11 games, leading to speculation he might be recalled for the first time since the 2014 World Cup.

Bayern Munich defender Javi Martinez and Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla are other notable omissions, while  Del Bosque has included inform 35-year-old Athletic Bilbao striker Aritz Aduriz.There were also call-ups for uncapped youngsters Saul Niguez of Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid’s Lucas Vazquez.

Spanish training camp 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)


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