No Torres, Mata, Pique in Spain squad
Posted Sunday, August 31, 2014 by Foxsports.com
Spain coach Vicente del Bosque turned his eye to the future as he named five uncapped players in his first squad since their World Cup humiliation.
There was no space for the likes of Barcelona defender Gerard Pique, Chelsea striker Fernando Torres and Manchester United playmaker Juan Mata as Del Bosque ushered in uncapped quintet Dani Carvajal, Raul Garcia, Kiko Casilla, Mikel San Jose and Paco Alcacer, while recalling Isco, Marc Bartra and Ander Iturraspe.
"This is a squad for the present, but designed to look towards the future," Del Bosque said ahead of their friendly against France next Thursday and the opening match of their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign against Macedonia on September 8.
However, Del Bosque said his squad was not a reaction to Spain's dismal summer, when they became the first reigning champions ever to be dumped out of the World Cup after losing their opening two matches - thrashed 5-1 by Holland in the opener and then losing 2-0 to Chile.
"We had a wretched time, but we've accepted it and moved on." he said. "There are no consequences. We were not forced to make changes. Every season hope is renewed. That is sport."
Instead, many of Del Bosque's changes are enforced following the international retirements of Xavi and Xabi Alonso, plus a number of injuries.
Pique is among those with a problem, and Del Bosque said he was consulted prior to his omission.
"I have spoken to him and he has not yet recovered," Del Bosque said. "He wants to keep coming but I only want to count on him when he is fit."
The same goes for Manchester United's expensive summer acquisition, the uncapped Ander Herrera, and Valencia forward Rodrigo, who both came under consideration but were not fit enough to be selected.
"Ander Hererra and Rodrigo might have been included but they have discomforts," Del Bosque said.
While Torres is out, his new Chelsea team-mate Diego Costa gets the call despite concerns over a hamstring injury.
"The medical team at Chelsea have told us it is not a serious problem, so we are not worried," Del Bosque said.
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