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World champions Spain will travel to the World Cup in Brazil with striker Diego Costa, who is fighting to recover from a leg muscle injury. |
Coach Vicente del Bosque included the Brazilian-born Atletico Madrid forward in his squad Saturday despite concerns he might not recover in time from his injury.
Del Bosque has given Costa the nod ahead of Fernando Llorente and Alvaro Negredo, who he took to Euro 2012.
Also overlooked are wingers Jesus Navas and Gerard Deulofeu, as well as Real Madrid defender right-back Dani Carvajal, Sevilla left-back Alvaro Moreno and midfielder Ander Iturraspe of Athletic Bilbao.
Chelsea striker Fernando Torres - who scored in Friday’s 2-0 friendly defeat of Bolivia - keeps his place, and there is also room for Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata.
Del Bosque has raised eyebrows by going into the tournament with just one left-back - Jordi Alba of Barcelona - and without any real wingers at all.
“Navas has not played for two months because of injury. We cannot take a risk with him. I feel very sorry for him,” said Del Bosque.
Meanwhile, Navas said: “I have recovered from my injury but I accept and understand this decision. I wish the team luck in Brazil.”
Chelsea right-back Cesar Azpilicueta - who played no part in Spain’s triumphs between 2008 and 2012 - said: “I am very fortunate to be in the squad. I am really pleased with this news.”
Meanwhile, a delighted Mata said: “I am very happy with this. Let’s try to make history in Brazil.”
Spain are aiming to become the first European outfit to win the coveted trophy in a South American World Cup.
Costa was an injury doubt with a hamstring tear in his right leg after lasting just nine minutes for Atletico in the Champions League final last Saturday.
He faces a race against time to be fit for Spain’s opening game, against the Netherlands on June 13. Spain face the Dutch in Salvador before Group B matches against Chile and Australia.
“The doctors are very optimistic about Costa, that is why we have decided to take him,” said Del Bosque.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Jose Reina (Napoli), David de Gea (Manchester United)
Defenders: Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos Real Madrid), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Javi Martinez (Bayern Munich), Raul Albiol (Napoli), Juanfran (Atletico Madrid)
Midfielders: Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Xavi (Barcelona), Pedro (Barcelona), Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona)
Forwards: Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid), David Villa (Atletico Madrid), Fernando Torres (Chelsea), David Silva (Manchester City), Juan Mata (Manchester United).
Spain’s Fernando Torres celebrates after scoring a penalty against Bolivia during their international friendly at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium in Seville. (Reuters).