Costa named in Spain World Cup squad

Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa has been included in Spain’s squad for the World Cup.

Costa had been a doubt due to a hamstring injury and could only play nine minutes of the Champions League final a week ago.

He was advised to rest for two weeks and it was suggested Vicente Del Bosque could leave the Brazil-born forward at home, but Costa has been named in the 23-man squad to go to Brazil.

Costa is joined by Fernando Torres and David Villa with no place for Fernando Llorente or Alvaro Negredo.

Jesus Navas is also absent but Juan Mata is named as one of the midfielders.

Dani Carvajal loses out to Juanfran and Cesar Azpilicueta in the right-back spots while Jordi Alba is the only natural left-back with Alberto Moreno cut from the 30-man preliminary group.

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Pepe Reina (Liverpool), David De Gea (Manchester United)

Defenders: Juanfran (Atletico Madrid), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Javi Martinez (Bayern Munich), Raul Albiol (Napoli), Sergio Ramos (Madrid), Jordi Alba (Barcelona)

Midfielders: Koke (Atletico), Xabi Alonso (Madrid), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal), David Silva (Manchester City), Juan Mata (Man Utd), Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas, Sergio Busquets, Pedro Rodriguez (all Barcelona)

Forwards: Fernando Torres (Chelsea), David Villa, Diego Costa (Atletico)

Tags Diego Costa Spain World Cup 2014
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