SPAIN COACH VICENTE Del Bosque has left Chelsea striker Diego Costa and Man United’s Juan Mata out of his provisional squad for Euro 2016.
The Premier League pair are the notable absentees from the defending champions’ 26-man panel for this summer’s tournament in France.
Costa featured in four of Spain’s qualifying games, scoring once, but didn’t feature in either of the friendlies against Italy and Romania in March.
He has been struggling with a hamstring injury with Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink last week suggesting the 27-year-old could miss the tournament.
Costa has struggled at international level with just one goal in 10 appearances since declaring for Spain in 2013.
Mata was a second-half substitute in both of those fixtures but is excluded by Del Bosque with Altetico Madrid’s uncapped winger Saul Niguez preferred.
World Cup winners Fernando Torres and Javi Martinez were also left out while Santi Cazorla’s injury problems have cost him a place on the plane.
“Cazorla has been injured for months and he has made an effort, but we don’t want the uncertainty that he won’t be in good shape,” Del Bosque said after announcing his selection.
“I was sorry about Mata but it’s how it is. You have to leave names out and think about who we believe can be the most useful. When you’re in doubt, you have to be practical.”
Spain face Czech Republic, Turkey and Croatia in Group D.
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Porto), David De Gea (Man United), Sergio Rico (Sevilla).
Defenders: Sergio Ramos, Dani Carvajal (both Real Madrid), Gerard Piqué, Jordi Alba, Marc Bartra (all Barcelona), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Mikel San José (Athletic Club), Juanfran (Atletico).
Midfielders: Bruno (Villarreal), Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta (both Barcelona), Thiago (Bayern), Isco (Real Madrid), David Silva (Manchester City), Pedro, Cesc Fabregas (both Chelsea), Saúl, Koke (both Atletico).
Forwards: Aritz Aduriz (Athletic), Nolito (Celta Vigo), Alvaro Morata (Juventus), Lucas Vázquez (Madrid).
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