While it really shouldn't be a surprise given his form, it's still news that Vicente del Bosque has decided to leave Fernando Torres off his roster for Spain's next two World Cup Qualifiers. La Furia Roja will face Finland first and then travel to France for a critical Group I match.
Fernando Torres not a part of the latest Spain squad
Despite making the last three qualifying round rosters, Fernando Torres has been left out of the latest round as Spain prepares for an important Group I match against France.
Jasper Juinen
Del Bosque explained to the media that Torres' inconsistent form in the past two seasons has put doubts in his mind that he's the right player to lead the Spanish attack. Instead Spain will look to David Villa and Alvaro Negredo, with Cesc Fabregas also available in a false nine role, similar to how he was used in Euro 2012.
David De Gea was called up in place of the still injured Iker Casillas but will likely be well behind Victor Valdés and Pepe Reina in the pecking order. Defender Carles Puyol is out after undergoing knee surgery but Xavi Hernandez makes the roster despite on-going hamstring issues.
France and Spain drew 1-1 in their first meeting and with the winner of the group the only team guaranteed a World Cup place, this second meeting is crucial for Spain. Finishing second in the group means being forced into a playoff match to earn a trip to Brazil.
Here’s Del Bosque’s full squad:
Goalkeepers: Victor Valdes, Pepe Reina, David de Gea.
Defenders: Alvaro Arbeloa, Raul Albiol, Sergio Ramos, Cesar Azpilicueta, Gerard Pique, Nacho Monreal (Arsenal), Jordi Alba.
Midfielders: Xabi Alonso, Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta,Cesc Fabregas, Sergio Busquets, Santi Cazorla, Javi Garcia, Isco.
Forwards: David Villa, David Silva, Pedro Rodriguez, Juan Mata, Alvaro Negredo, Jesus Navas.
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