Spain released its World Cup roster, and Alvaro Morata is among the big names not on it.
Associated Press | May 21, 2018
MADRID (AP) – Alvaro Morata was left out of Spain's 23-player list for the World Cup on Monday.
Spain coach Julen Lopetegui decided to pick only three strikers for the tournament in Russia: Diego Costa, Iago Aspas and Rodrigo.
Morata, who struggled with Chelsea this year, had not been included in the squad for Spain's most recent friendlies but Lopetegui had said the player still had chances of making it to the World Cup.
Also left out was forward Victor ''Vitolo'' Machin of Atletico Madrid.
Lopetegui opted to take eight defenders, including Nacho Monreal, the only other surprise in the list. Marcos Alonso and Marc Bartra were among the defenders left out.
Still unbeaten since Lopetegui arrived after the 2016 European Championship, Spain will go to Russia trying to rebound from its recent disappointments in the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016.
Spain will play warm-up matches against Switzerland on June 3 and Tunisia on June 9.
The team's World Cup opener will be against European champion Portugal on June 15 in Sochi. Morocco and Iran are also in Group B.
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Goalkeepers: David De Gea (Manchester United), Pepe Reina (Napoli), Kepa Arrizabalaga (Athletic Bilbao)
Defenders: Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Nacho Monreal (Arsenal), Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Nacho Fernandez (Real Madrid), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Alvaro Odriozola (Real Sociedad)
Midfielders: Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Jorge ''Koke'' Resurreccion (Atletico Madrid), Saul Niguez (Atletico Madrid), Marco Asensio (Real Madrid), David Silva (Manchester City), Lucas Vazquez (Real Madrid), Francisco ''Isco'' Alarcon (Real Madrid)
Forwards: Iago Aspas (Celta Vigo), Rodrigo (Valencia), Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid)