With Euro 2016 fast approaching, Vicente Del Bosque has named his provisional 25-man Spain squad for the tournament, and there are some notable exclusions.
Two players will eventually be cut to form the final group heading for France next month, but the early talk will centre around there not being a place for Chelsea striker Diego Costa.
The former Atletico Madrid star has struggled with form, fitness and discipline this season in a difficult year for Chelsea as a whole, and it appears as though he has paid the price for it ahead of the summer’s big tournament.
However, given his more recent struggles with injury, Del Bosque has arguably decided that he can’t afford to take the risk.
Meanwhile, Juan Mata, Santi Cazorla and Fernando Torres have also all missed out on a place in the squad, leading the way for a number of other names to emerge and help La Roja overcome their disappointment in Brazil two years ago.
While Cazorla’s lack of playing time this season due to injury will undoubtedly be the reason behind Del Bosque’s decision not to include him, both Mata and Torres will be disappointed not to be included following their efforts for Manchester United and Atletico respectively.
Valencia forward Paco Alcacer is another noticeable absentee, while it remains to be seen which pair are eventually cut ahead of the final deadline to announce the 23-man squad.
Holders Spain are in Group D, and will take on Croatia, Czech Republic and Turkey in their bid to book their place in the knockout stages of the tournament.
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas, David De Gea, Sergio Rico
Defenders: Jordi Alba, Gerard Pique, Marc Bartra, Sergio Ramos, Dani Carvajal , Cesar Azpilicueta , Juanfran
Midfielders: Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta, David Silva, Mikel San Jose, Koke, Saul Niguez, Cesc Fabregas, Thiago Alcantara, Isco, Bruno Soriano
Forwards: Pedro Rodriguez, Alvaro Morata, Aritz Aduriz, Nolito, Lucas Vazquez
Called up for pre-Euro 2016 friendlies:
Pau Lopez, Asenjo, Bellerin, Jony, D. Llorente, Mere, Suarez, Williams, Fornals, Oyarzabal
OFICIAL | Lista provisional de 25 jugadores para la #EURO2016 / Provisional 25-man call up for the #EURO2016 pic.twitter.com/wyMJ77Fyhe
— Selección Española (@SeFutbol) May 17, 2016