Cesc Fabregas, Iker Casillas and Pedro dropped by new manager Julen Lopetegui
Friday 26 August 2016 12:57, UK
Chelsea striker Diego Costa and Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata have been recalled to the Spain squad.
The pair failed to make the cut for Euro 2016 but are back in the fold after new coach Julen Lopetegui, who has replaced Vicente del Bosque, named his squad to face Belgium in a friendly on September 1 and Liechtenstein in a World Cup qualifier four days later.
Costa has scored two goals in two Premier League games for Chelsea this season, while Mata has also started in United's two league wins and scored in their opening fixture at Bournemouth.
"Costa has had a great pre-season and we think his presence will be positive," Lopetegui said.
Valencia forward Paco Alcacer and Bayern Munich midfielder Javi Martinez have also earned recalls after missing Euro 2016 and there are call ups for Marco Asensio, Sergi Roberto and Saul Niguez, as well as West Ham goalkeeper Adrian.
Iker Casillas, Spain's former captain and all-time record appearance maker with 167 caps, has been omitted, though, along with Chelsea duo Cesc Fabregas and Pedro.
"I have spoken to Iker, he is a huge player for the national team, he is a current Spain icon but in this case we've decided that from now on David de Gea will be our No 1 goalkeeper," added Lopetegui.
"But that does not mean the door is closed to Iker and we will monitor his progress carefully. I felt I had to be sincere with him and he remains very close to us.
"There is no kind of interference with my list. My only interest is the national team.
"All the players who have been called up have been analysed live. I have spoken with Del Bosque. We are neighbours and friends and have talked about everything."
Spain squad:
Goalkeepers: David de Gea (Manchester United), Pepe Reina (Napoles), Adrian San Miguel (West Ham).
Defenders: Marc Bartra (Dortmund), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Sergi Roberto (Barcelona), Javi Martinez (Bayern Munich).
Midfielders: Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), David Silva (Manchester City), Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich), Saul Niguez (Atletico Madrid), Jorge "Koke" Resurreccion (Atletico Madrid), Juan Mata (Manchester United), Marco Asensio (Real Madrid).
Forwards: Alvaro Morata (Real Madrid), Lucas Vazquez (Real Madrid), Manuel "Nolito" Agudo (Manchester City), Paco Alcacer (Valencia), Diego Costa (Chelsea), Victor "Vitolo" Machin (Sevilla).
