Alvaro Morata has been axed by Spain boss Julen Lopetegui for the upcoming friendlies against Germany and Argentina.
The 25-year-old has been replaced in the squad by Diego Costa – who he replaced at Chelsea.
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Alvaro Morata has been dropped from the Spain team for the upcoming friendlies against Germany and ArgentinaThe Blues’ club-record signing has not scored since Boxing Day and has started the last three matches on the bench.
Though he did have a promising start at Stamford Bridge, scoring six goals in his first six Premier League matches before his barren spell in front of the goal.
Lopetegui is adamant the door is open for Morata’s return to the squad.
He said: “Morata has been with us almost always.
“He has had a series of physical problems, he has had an inactivity, and he’s not playing much.
“He does not stop being out of our thoughts at all, let’s hope he has more prominence at Chelsea.
“Tomorrow is not the World Cup.”
Morata’s club colleague left-back Marcos Alonso has been granted his first call up to the senior squad while Costa will make his first international appearance since last June.
Spain squad for friendlies against Germany and Argentina
GOALKEEPERS: De Gea, Pepe Reina, Kepa
DEFENDERS: Carvajal, Odriozola, Nacho, Ramos, Pique, Azpilicueta, Alba, Marcos Alsonso
MIDFIELDERS: Silva, Isco, Thiago, Koke, Saul, Iniesta, Rodri, Parejo
FORWARDS: Diego Costa, Aspas, Rodrigo, Asensio, Lucas Vazquez
Middlesbrough winger Adama Traore has been named in Spain’s latest Under-21 squad.
The 22-year-old has been on fine form in the Championship to earn his first cap in the U-21.
Meanwhile, Holland’s new boss Ronald Koeman has named his squad that will play against England on March 23 in Amsterdam and then Portugal.
The newcomers in his squad included 18-year-old Ajax winger and Manchester United target Justin Kluivert – the son of Netherlands striker Patrick Kluivert.
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Four other uncapped players will be up against the Three Lions under Koeman – Marco Bizot and Guus Til of AZ Alkmaar and Wout Weghorst and Hans Hateboer of Atalanta.
France has called up hitman Wissam Ben Yedder for the first time in the wake of his demolition job against Man United in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
Atletico Madrid’s Lucas Hernandez is also included in the France squad for the first time to ward off interest from Spain as is Stuttgart’s Benjamin Pavard.