#RUSSIA2018: Surprise as Spain Drops Top Stars
Cesc Fabregas, Alvaro Morata, Marcos Alonso as well as Hector Bellerin will have to watch the World Cup in Russia from their private homes as they won’t be joining the Spanish team bus to Russia next month. The Spanish 23-man World Cup squad has revealed.
Coach Julen Lopetegui released the list of the 23-man squad at a news conference on Monday.
Diego Costa, surprisingly made the list after series of issues surrounding his transfer ban, while Fabregas who earned his 100th cap for Spain during Euro 2016 was conspicuously missing on the list.
Morata was obviously left out due to inconsistent form in his first season at Chelsea, while Alonso who became the first third-generation player to earn a cap for Spain when he was included for the friendlies against Germany and Argentina in March was denied World cup experience.
Other notable names missing on the list include:
Marcos Alonso
Ander Herrera
Juan Mata
Javi Martinez
Sergi Roberto
Marc Bartra
According to the coach, Coach Julen Lopetegui said
“We have decided that this team is who is going to help us the most. It is difficult, but these players will represent the dreams of our country.”
Below is Spain’s 23-player squad:
Goalkeepers: Kepa Arrizabalaga (Athletic Bilbao), David De Gea (Manchester United), Pepe Reina (Napoli)
Defenders: Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Nacho (Real Madrid), Nacho Monreal (Arsenal), Alvaro Odriozola (Real Sociedad), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)
Midfielders: Isco (Real Madrid), Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), David Silva (Manchester City), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Saul Niguez (Atletico Madrid), Koke (Atletico Madrid)
Forwards: Marco Asensio (Real Madrid), Iago Aspas (Celta Vigo), Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid), Rodrigo (Valencia), Lucas Vazquez (Real Madrid)
ALSO READ: #Russia2018: Big Blow as Top English Star Out of World Cup
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