Chelsea Trio Fabregas, Morata, Alonso Left Out Of Spain World Cup Squad
Spain national team coach, Julen Lopetegui, on Monday announced his 23-man squad ahead of the 2018 FIFA Russia World Cup with Chelsea’s trio Cesc Fabregas, Alvaro Morata and Marco Alonso being key omissions.
Answering questions centered on Morata’s omission in the squad in a press conference, Lopetegui said players selected were considered as the best at the moment.
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“We’ve taken the players we feel are the best and feel that we have the ingredients to challenge for the title and are just anxious for things to start now,” he said.
“We feel that each one will bring his style and personality to the team and this is important for each game and each situation,” Lopetegui added.
Morata has struggled for fitness and form since joining the Blues for a club record £60 million ($80.5m) from Real Madrid last summer and has scored 11 goals in the Premier League since arriving in England.
Meanwhile, Andres Iniesta was named in the squad the day after playing his final game for Barcelona.
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Spain’s full 23-man squad for 2018 World Cup:
Goalkeepers: Kepa Arrizabalaga (Athletic Club), David de Gea (Manchester United), Pepe Reina (Napoli)
Defenders: Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Cesar Azpiliqueta (Chelsea), Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Nacho Fernandez (Real Madrid), Nacho Monreal (Arsenal), Alvaro Odriozola (Real Sociedad), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid).
Midfielders: Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Isco (Real Madrid), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Saul Niguez (Atletico Madrid), David Silva (Manchester City)
Forwards: Marco Asensio (Real Madrid), Iago Aspas (Celta Vigo), Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid), Rodrigo Moreno (Valencia), Lucas Vazquez (Real Madrid).
Spain’s preparation ahead of the competition starts with a friendly game against Switzerland on June 3rd. They then face Tunisia in Krasnodar on June 9th before their first Group B game in Sochi on the 15th against Portugal. The remaining Group B fixtures are against Iran and Morocco.
