Diego Costa in Spain’s World Cup 2014 squad. Goal.com
MADRID (Sporting Alert) — Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa has been included in Spain’s 23-man World Cup squad, but there was no place for Manchester City pair Alvaro Negredo and Jesus Navas.
Costa, who has been in terrific form in leading Atletico Madrid to the Spanish La Liga this past season, is being bothered by a hamstring problem recently, but Spain’s boss Vicente Del Bosque is confident the forward will be ready in time for the World Cup in Brazil next month.
Included in the final 23-man squad also are Chelsea’s Fernando Torres, Atletico Madrid striker David Villa and Juan Mata of Manchester United.
Del Bosque has decided to omitted Real Madrid’s Daniel Carvajal, Juventus’ Fernando Llorente, Sevilla’s Alberto Moreno, Ander Iturraspe of Athletic Bilbao and Bayern Munich’s Thiago Alcantara, who was forced to withdraw from the initial 30-man squad after tearing a knee ligament.
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Pepe Reina (Napoli), David De Gea (Manchester United).
Defenders: Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Raul Albiol (Napoli), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Juanfran (Atletico Madrid), Jordi Alba (Barcelona).
Midfielders: Xavi (Barcelona), Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Javi Martinez (Bayern Munich).
Forwards: David Silva (Manchester City), Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid), Fernando Torres (Chelsea), Pedro (Barcelona), Juan Mata (Manchester United), David Villa (Atletico Madrid).
