Costa dropped as Enrique recalls Koke for Nation League games
Koke has been recalled to the Spain squad by Luis Enrique but his Atletico Madrid team-mate Diego Costa has been left out.
After being omitted from Luis Enrique’s first selection since taking charge after the disappointing World Cup campaign in Russia, midfielder Koke is in line to feature in next Thursday’s friendly against Wales and the Nations League meeting with England on October 15.
However, there is no place for striker Costa, who assisted Antoine Griezmann’s second goal in a 3-1 win against Club Brugge on Wednesday before being replaced due to a thigh problem.
Jordi Alba continues to be overlooked by the former Barcelona coach, with Marcos Alonso and Jose Gaya picked as the left-back options instead.
Wolves defender Jonny Castro Otto received his first call-up, while Marc Bartra and Paco Alcacer are welcomed back into the fold.
Real Madrid pair Dani Carvajal and Isco are both sidelined, ruling them out of contention.
Spain travel to Cardiff to take on Wales, whose squad includes Gareth Bale despite him missing Real Madrid’s shock Champions League defeat to CSKA Moscow through injury, before hosting England in Seville.
OFICIAL | Lista de convocados de @LUISENRIQUE21 para los partidos de la @SeFutbol ante Gales e Inglaterra#UnaNuevaIlusión
https://t.co/9jbgBLH3n7 pic.twitter.com/xbTNRJLux1
— Selección Española de Fútbol (@SeFutbol) October 4, 2018
Spain squad in full:
Kepa Arrizabalaga (Chelsea), Pau Lopez (Real Betis), David de Gea (Manchester United); Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Jonny Castro Otto (Wolves), Jose Gaya (Valencia), Marcos Alonso (Chelsea), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Marc Bartra (Real Betis), Raul Albiol (Napoli), Nacho Fernandez (Real Madrid); Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Rodrigo (Atletico Madrid), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Dani Ceballos (Real Madrid), Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich), Saul Niguez (Atletico Madrid); Marco Asensio (Real Madrid), Alvaro Morata (Chelsea), Rodrigo Moreno (Valencia), Suso (AC Milan), Iago Aspas (Celta Vigo), Paco Alcacer (Borussia Dortmund).
