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Costa makes Spain cut, Navas left out

Saturday, May 31, 2014

Vicente del Bosque has revealed his Spain squad for the FIFA World Cup in Brazil, and although there is a place for forward Diego Costa, winger Jesús Navas misses out.

Diego Costa will travel to Brazil with Spain
Diego Costa will travel to Brazil with Spain ©Getty Images

Club Atlético de Madrid forward Diego Costa will travel with Spain to the FIFA World Cup after being named in Vicente del Bosque's 23-man squad for the finals.

Despite carrying a hamstring injury that forced him off in last week's UEFA Champions League final defeat by Real Madrid CF, Costa – a scorer of 36 club goals this season – looks set to be ready for the holders' opening game against the Netherlands on 13 June. The same cannot not be said for Manchester City FC attacker Jesús Navas, however, who has been struggling with an ankle injury, and misses out.

"Navas has been recovering well but the truth is that he hasn't played for two months," Del Bosque said at Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) headquarters. "For that reason, it was difficult to see him joining us. I would prefer to take a player who is [guaranteed to be fully fit] as opposed to one who may suffer a relapse."

Spain's squad contains 16 players who travelled to South Africa for their victorious 2010 FIFA World Cup run. Following their opening Group B game against the Oranje – the team they defeated in the final four years ago – Spain face Chile and Australia.

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid CF), Pepe Reina (SSC Napoli), David de Gea (Manchester United FC).

Defenders: Juanfran (Club Atlético de Madrid), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid CF), Raúl Albiol (SSC Napoli), Gerard Piqué (FC Barcelona), Jordi Alba (FC Barcelona), Javi Martínez (FC Bayern München), César Azpilicueta (Chelsea FC).

Midfielders: Sergio Busquets (FC Barcelona), Xavi Hernández (FC Barcelona), Andrés Iniesta (FC Barcelona), Cesc Fàbregas (FC Barcelona), Pedro Rodríguez (FC Barcelona), Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid CF), Koke (Club Atlético de Madrid), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal FC), Juan Mata (Manchester United FC), David Silva (Manchester City FC).

Forwards: David Villa (Club Atlético de Madrid), Diego Costa (Club Atlético de Madrid), Fernando Torres (Chelsea FC).

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