Spain Squad V Italy: Juan Mata And Fernando Torres Left Out

Out In The Cold: More Misery For Mata And Torres As They're Dropped From Spain Squad
FORTALEZA, BRAZIL - JUNE 23: Juan Mata and Fernando Torres of Spain look on prior to the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013 Group B match between Nigeria and Spain at Castelao on June 23, 2013 in Fortaleza, Brazil. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
FORTALEZA, BRAZIL - JUNE 23: Juan Mata and Fernando Torres of Spain look on prior to the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013 Group B match between Nigeria and Spain at Castelao on June 23, 2013 in Fortaleza, Brazil. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
Clive Rose via Getty Images

Manchester United forward Juan Mata and Chelsea striker Fernando Torres have both been left out of Vicente del Bosque's Spain squad for next week's friendly with Italy.

Mata, United's record signing, has experienced a frustrating start to his United career but was ineligible for their pitiful Champions League defeat to Olympiakos on Tuesday, having played in the competition for Chelsea.

Torres, the most expensive player in English football history, struck for the Blues in their 1-1 draw at Galatasaray midweek but is another victim of Spain's enviable embarrassment of riches and Del Bosque's tiki-taka approach.

Brazil

Who'll be at the 2014 World Cup?

Diego Costa, Alvaro Negredo and Pedro are the only strikers included in the squad, with David Villa, La Roja's all-time top scorer, Fernando Llorente and Roberto Soldado absent.

Gerard Piqué is out injured and there is no room for Alvaro Arbeloa, Jesé, or centurion Carles Puyol, either.

Both Mata and Torres have stiff tasks ahead of them if they are to force their way into Del Bosque's 23-man World Cup party.

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas, Pepe Reina, Victor Valdés

Defenders: Juanfran, Sergio Ramos, Jordi Alba, Cesar Azpilicueta, Raúl Albiol

Midfieldes: Xabi Alonso, Sergio Busquets, Xavi, Koke, Thiago Alcântara, Andrés Iniesta, Jesús Navas, Santi Cazorla, Cesc Fàbregas, David Silva

Forwards: Diego Costa, Alvaro Negredo, Pedro

Close

What's Hot