New faces in Spain squad
Xinhua, May 26, 2015 Adjust font size:
Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque has left out Chelsea striker Diego Costa and Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara while handing debut call ups to Sevilla duo, Sergio Rico and Alex Vidal in the 24-man squad he named on Tuesday.
Spain will play a friendly game against Costa Rica on June 11 and the 2016 European Championship qualifying tie away to Belarus three days later.
Rico and Vidal have been impressive as Sevilla finished fifth in the BBVA Primera Liga while also qualifying for Wednesday's Europea League final.
Goalkeeper Rico, replaces Sergio Asenjo, who is sidelined through a serious knee injury, while Vidal will give attacking pace down either wing for Spain.
Meanwhile Del Bosque admitted the reason he had not called up Costa and Thiago is that he had doubts over the fitness of players who have struggled with injury in recent months and didn't want to risk them suffering further physical problems.
Following is the squad:
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas, David De Gea, Sergio Rico.
Defenders: Juanfran (Atletico), Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Marc Bartra (Barcelona),Jordi Alba (Barcelona) Juan Bernat (Bayern), Mikel San Jose (Athletic)
Midfielders: Koke (Atletico), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), David Silva (Manchester City), Isco (Real Madrid), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal), Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Pedro Rodriguez (Barcelona) Vitolo (Sevilla), Aleix Vidal (Sevilla)
Forwards: Paco Alcacer (Valencia), Alvaro Morata (Juventus), Nolito (Celta). Endite