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Navas misses out on Spain World Cup squad

ESPN staff
May 31, 2014
Jesus Navas has struggled with injuries during his first season at Manchester City © Getty Images
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Manchester City's Jesus Navas has not been included in the final 23-man Spain squad for the World Cup.

Coach Vicente del Bosque had hinted that the winger would not be selected when he said after Friday's 2-0 win over Bolivia that, despite Navas' impressive performances in training, it would be "difficult" for him to make the squad following his recent lack of match action for City due to injury.

"My heart sinks," Del Bosque said. "He's a guy who's spent two months without playing. He's almost perfect, but it has been two months without playing. We prefer to take someone in a condition that we have no questions about."

Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa has also been included. Costa has been struggling with an injury exacerbated in the Champions League final, but he is named as part of the squad along with Atletico team-mate David Villa and Chelsea's Fernando Torres.

Torres, who helped Spain to success at Euro 2008, the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012, had not been certain of his place after a disappointing season at club level but he scored in the win over Bolivia. Del Bosque said afterwards that he had "great confidence" in the 30-year-old.

Manchester United's Juan Mata is also included despite his indifferent form over the course of the season.

Spain begin the defence of their trophy against the Netherlands, the 2010 finalists, on June 13 and also face Chile and Australia in Group B.

Final 23-man Spain squad:

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Pepe Reina (Napoli), David de Gea (Manchester United)

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

Midfielders: Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Xavi Hernandez (Barcelona), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona), Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Koke Resurreccion (Atletico Madrid), David Silva (Manchester City), Juan Mata (Manchester United), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal).

Forwards: Pedro Rodriguez (Barcelona), Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid), David Villa (Atletico Madrid), Fernando Torres (Chelsea).

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