Costa omitted from Spain Euro 2016 squad

LAS ROZAS DE MADRID, May 17: Chelsea striker Diego Costa was left out of Spain coach Vicente del Bosque’s provisiol 25-man squad for Euro 2016 on Tuesday.

The Brazilian-born missed Chelsea’s last two games of the season due to a persistent hamstring injury and has struggled at intertiol level with just one goal in 10 games since declaring to play for Spain in 2013. World Cup winners Ferndo Torres , Juan Mata and Javi Martinez were also high-profile mes left out by Del Bosque.

Arsel’s Santi Cazorla was also excluded having just returned from a long-term knee injury.

The uncapped Saul Niguez and Lucas Vazquez of Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid respectively have made the 25.

Meanwhile, Villarreal captain Bruno Soriano was surprisingly included amongst 10 midfielders.

Del Bosque also med 11 promising younger players to bulk up his squad for the friendlies against Bosnia and Herzegovi and South Korea on May 29 and June 1 respectively with Real and Atletico players set to take part in the Champions League fil on May 28.

Squad in full:

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Porto/POR), David De Gea (Manchester United/ENG), Sergio Rico (Sevilla)

Defenders: Jordi Alba, Gerard Pique, Marc Bartra (all Barcelo), Sergio Ramos, Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea/ENG), Juanfran (Atletico Madrid)

Midfielders: Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta (both Barcelo), David Silva (Manchester City/ENG), Mikel San Jose (Athletic Bilbao), Koke, Saul Niguez (both Atletico Madrid), Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea/ENG), Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich/GER), Isco (Real Madrid), Bruno Soriano (Villarreal). IANS