MADRID, MAY 22,
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.
The squad: Goalkeepers: David De Gea, Pepe Reina, Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Defenders: Jordi Alba, Cesar Azpilicueta, Nacho Monreal, Dani Carvajal, Nacho Fernandez, Gerard Pique, Sergio Ramos, Alvaro Odriozola.
