Spain Decide To Rest Costa  (Sky Sports)

Chelsea forward Diego Costa is to sit out Spain’s internationals against Costa Rica and Belarus next month.

Costa has been struggling with injuries over the last few months and, although he was able to come on as a substitute against Sunderland on Sunday, coach Vicente del Bosque has decided not to risk him.

Del Bosque said: “He has muscle troubles and these are two very difficult games, in which we have to be sure.

"Let there be no doubt, we hold him in high regard and, in the same way that (Paco) Alcacer hasn't been called up, now it's the same for him."

Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago will also be absent due to fitness concerns.

Del Bosque said: “We've been in contact with him and we were hoping he could come but he has a slight niggle and he is being treated in Barcelona.

"We've come to the conclusion that it's best not to force it. Muscle injuries are dangerous, but we clearly count on him."

Uncapped Sevilla duo Sergio Rico and Aleix Vidal have been named alongside team mate Vitolo in Del Bosque’s squad.

Goalkeeper Rico, 21, and winger Vidal, 25, have been rewarded for their fine displays for Sevilla, who finished fifth in La Liga and face Dnipro in the Europa League final on Wednesday.

As well as Costa, goalkeeper Sergio Asenjo, who is set to be sidelined for six months with a serious knee injury, Raul Albiol and Mario Suarez are missing from the last Spain squad.

And Rico, Vidal, Celta Vigo forward Nolito and Valencia striker Alcacer have been drafted in.

Del Bosque added: "Asenjo's injury has forced us to look for another goalkeeper, Rico is a very young guy who has had a great season and deserves to be here.

"Aleix Vidal is the same. He's a wide player, which there aren't so many of, and he's playing very well."

Spain are to take on Costa Rica in a friendly in Leon on June 11 before a European Championship qualifier three days later in Borisov against Belarus.

Spain squad: De Gea (Manchester United), Casillas (Real Madrid), Rico (Sevilla), Alba (Barcelona), Bartra (Barcelona), Bernat (Bayern), Carvajal (Real Madrid), Juanfran (Atletico Madrid), Pique (Barcelona), Ramos (Real Madrid), San Jose (Athletic Bilbao), Busquets (Barcelona), Cazorla (Arsenal), Fabregas (Chelsea), Iniesta (Barcelona), Isco (Real Madrid), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Pedro (Barcelona), Silva (Manchester City), Vidal (Sevilla), Vitolo (Sevilla), Alcacer (Valencia), Morata (Juventus), Nolito (Celta).