<
>

Chelsea striker Diego Costa left out of Spain squad for final qualifiers

Chelsea striker Diego Costa has been left out of the Spain squad for their final two European Qualifiers against Luxembourg and Ukraine.

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque decided against calling up Costa, who is suspended for the first of those matches, against Luxembourg in Logrono, even though he would have been eligible for the Ukraine game.

Juventus striker Alvaro Morata has been brought in, with Del Bosque also saying he felt Costa's recent controversies in the Premier League had been "unedifying."

Costa was banned for three matches by the FA after he was found guilty of violent conduct in Chelsea's win over Arsenal at Stamford Bridge last month.

And speaking at a news conference in Madrid, Del Bosque said: "I did not like what happened in the Premier League. I don't think it was edifying.

"He can't play the first match, and we preferred not to bring him. He is not playing badly -- we'll select him in the future if everything goes normally."

The Spain coach has brought in Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago, who last played for his country in March last year amid a succession of knee problems, with Andres Iniesta and Koke out injured.

Spain can ensure their place in France next summer with a win against second from bottom Luxembourg.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Porto), David De Gea (Manchester United), Sergio Rico (Sevilla)

Defenders: Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Marc Bartra (Barcelona), Juanfran (Atletico Madrid), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Inigo Martinez (Real Sociedad)

Midfielders: Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal), David Silva (Manchester City), Isco (Real Madrid), Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea), Bruno Soriano (Villarreal), Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich), Juan Mata (Manchester United)

Forwards: Pedro (Chelsea), Paco Alcacer (Valencia), Alvaro Morata (Juventus), Nolito (Celta Vigo)