Premier League duo Juan Mata and Cesc Fabregas have both been omitted from the Spanish squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
The Spanish 23-man squad to take on Italy and Albania in the qualification games for the 2018 World Cup was announced on Friday morning, with the established English-based duo the most prominent names left out.
"Cesc is a great player, but there are many players who we really like who cannot be included," coach Julen Lopetegui explained in his press conference.
Fabregas has won 105 caps for Spain, while Mata has appeared on 40 occasions.
Other Premier League players to miss out on the squad include West Ham United goalkeeper Adrian, Chelsea duo Cesar Azpilicueta and Pedro Rogriguez, Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera, Manchester City winger Jesus Navas and Arsenal playmaker Santi Cazorla.
Spain will travel to Italy on Thursday 6th October before playing in Albania three days later, having kicked off their qualifying campaign in style with an 8-0 thumping of minnows Liechtenstein last month.
