Spanish squad

DE GEA, ISCO AND JAVI GARCIA CALLED. JUANFRAN, MARTINEZ, SOLDADO, TORRES MISSING.

Spain manager Vicente Del Bosque announced his spain squad for the crucial upcoming World cup qualifiers.Spain faces two key games in the qualification stages of the World Cup against Finland at the El Molinón stadium in Gijón on Friday 22nd, and away against France at the Stade de France in Saint Denis on the 26th.

Iker Casillas missed out on the selection due to his recent injury. Albiol was a stange choice given his lack of minutes with Real Madrid this season and a chance should have been given to blood young blood in the form of impressive Alberto Botia, Victor Ruiz or Inigo Martinez at center back. Nacho Monreal is a refreshing addition after his impressive start to his EPL Career with Arsenal. Juanfran of Athletico is missing from the squad and Chelsea right back Azpilicueta is given the nod to strengthen the EPL contingent in Spanish sqauad. Javi Martinez is a surprise exclusion despite his stellar performances with Bayern Munchen this season, Benat of Real Betis also misses out although Javi Garcia of Manchester City seems to b an odd pick in their places. Jesus Navas is back in the reckoning after improving his and Sevilla's form. Isco the European Golden Ball winner looks set to make hid debut with La Roja after guiding his club side Malaga to quarters of Champions League for the first time in their history. Fernando Torres misses out due to his poor season. Alvaro Negredo has been prefered over Roberto Soldado. There were also no call ups for impressive Iago Aspas of Celta Vigo.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Víctor Valdés (Barcelona), Pepe Reina (Liverpool/ENG) and David de Gea (Manchester United/ENG).

Defenders: Sergio Ramos, Álvaro Arbeloa, Raúl Albiol (Real Madrid), Gerard Piqué, Jordi Alba (Barcelona), César Azpilicueta (Chelsea/ENG) and Ignacio Monreal (Arsenal/ENG).

Midfielders: Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Xavi Hernández, Andrés Iniesta, Sergio Busquets, Cesc Fábregas (Barcelona), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal/ENG), Javi García (Manchester City/ENG), Jesús Navas (Sevilla) and 'Isco' Alarcón (Málaga).

Forwards: David Silva (Manchester City/ENG), Pedro Rodríguez, David Villa (Barcelona), Juan Manuel Mata (Chelsea/ENG) and Álvaro Negredo (Seville).