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Chelsea's Costa dropped by Spain 'for fitness reasons'

Diego Costa has made four appearances for Spain since switching allegiance from Brazil in 2014 © Getty Images

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Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque says he has left Diego Costa out of the squad for their upcoming internationals for fitness reasons only.

Spain play Belarus in a Euro 2016 qualifier on Saturday November 15, and then face world champions Germany in a friendly in Vigo the following Tuesday.

Brazil-born Costa played in both of Spain's qualifiers against Slovakia and Luxembourg in the last international break against the wishes of his club manager Jose Mourinho, sparking a public club-versus-country debate when he missed four games on his return to London.

Costa has played twice for his club since then, and is tipped to start in Chelsea's Premier League game at Liverpool on Saturday.

However Del Bosque told a news conference that he had been told the 26-year-old was not 100% fit at the moment and was therefore not called up.

"We are not calling him up for fitness reasons," he said. "We have reached a decision with Chelsea's medical staff that we will take a break due to his groin issues. It has nothing to do with whether he later plays for his club. He always wants to come with us, but we have spoken and this is the best for his health."

Del Bosque had gaps to fill in his squad due to Costa's absence, alongside injuries to regular midfielders Andres Iniesta and David Silva.

The squad includes the uncapped forwards Alvaro Morata, Nolito and Jose Callejon, while there is also a first call for midfielder Nacho Camacho.

In-form Real Madrid playmaker Isco also returns to the senior squad having been with the Under-21 squad in October, but there is still no place for Manchester City's Jesus Navas, who has not been with the squad since being controversially dropped ahead of last summer's World Cup.

"We need skilfull people, who open up the field, who can score goals," Del Bosque said. "We take advantage of people's current form. But they cannot all come. We have enormous affection for [Navas], but we were not able to find a space."

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