
Spain
coach Vicente del Bosque has left Chelsea striker Diego Costa out of his
squad for the holders' final two European Qualifiers against Luxembourg and
Ukraine this month.
Costa is suspended for the match against Luxembourg in Logrono in a week's
time but would have been available for the game in Kiev three days later.
He was replaced in the 23-man squad by Juventus striker Alvaro Morata.
Del Bosque said the decision to leave Brazil-born Costa out was taken after
he was booked in Spain's 1-0 win away to Macedonia last month and was not a
result of the player's disciplinary problems in the Premier League.
Costa was banned for three domestic matches by the FA last month after being
found guilty of violent conduct in a match against Arsenal.
"I did not like what happened in the Premier League, I don't think it was
edifying," Del Bosque said in Madrid on Friday.
"He can't play the first match and we preferred not to bring him. He is not
playing badly, we'll select him in the future if everything goes normally."
Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago, who has returned to form after a series of
knee problems and last played for La Roja in a friendly against Italy in
March 2014, comes in as cover for injured pair Andres Iniesta and Koke.
Celta Vigo winger Nolito, Villarreal captain Bruno Soriano and Real Sociedad
centre-back Inigo Martinez were also included, with Bayern full-back Juan
Bernat and Sevilla midfielder Vitolo also dropped.
Spain can make sure of their place at the tournament in France next year
with a win against minnows Luxembourg, who are second-from-bottom in the
section.
Del Bosque's side have 21 points from eight matches, two ahead of Slovakia,
who host Belarus on Friday. Ukraine are third on 16 points ahead of their
match away to bottom side Macedonia.
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Porto), David De Gea (Manchester United), Sergio
Rico (Sevilla)
Defenders: Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Marc
Bartra (Barcelona), Juanfran (Atletico Madrid), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid),
Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Inigo Martinez (Real
Sociedad)
Midfielders: Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal), David
Silva (Manchester City), Isco (Real Madrid), Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea), Bruno
Soriano (Villarreal), Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich), Juan Mata
(Manchester United)
Forwards: Pedro (Chelsea), Paco Alcacer (Valencia), Alvaro Morata
(Juventus), Nolito (Celta Vigo)