Alvaro Morata leads Chelsea quartet left out of Spain World Cup squad as Arsenal's Nacho Monreal earns call

World Cup woe | There is no place for Morata in the Spain squad
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James Benge21 May 2018

Chelsea’s Alvaro Morata is the most notable omission from Spain’s World Cup squad.

Morata is one of a quartet of Chelsea players who did not make the cut for Russia, alongside Marcos Alonso, Cesc Fabregas and Pedro. Cesar Azpilicueta is the Blues’ sole representative in the 23-man squad.

Morata has been a regular in coach Julen Lopetgeui’s setup over the last two years and led the line for La Roja at Euro 2016. However his struggles for Chelsea, with whom he has scored only three goals since the start of 2018, have cost him a spot on the plane to Russia.

Lopetegui said: “Taking important decisions is our job, we know that some will be tough but we will try as always to be correct and honest.”

In response Morata wished his team-mates "lots of luck in the World Cup! I will be supporting and encouraging [you] to the end as always!"

Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin was among those to miss out, but his Arsenal team-mate Nacho Monreal earns his first call-up since October.

Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea and David Silva of Manchester City round off the Premier League contingent.

SPAIN SQUAD IN FULL

Goalkeepers: David de Gea (Manchester United), Pepe Reina (Napoli), Kepa Arrizabalaga (Athletic Bilbao)

Defenders: Jordi Alba, Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Nacho Monreal (Arsenal), Alvaro Odriozola (Real Sociedad), Nacho Fernandez, Dani Carvajal, Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea)

Midfielders: Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Isco (Real Madrid), Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich), David Silva (Manchester City), Saul Niguez, Koke (Atletico Madrid)

Forwards: Marco Asensio, Lucas Vazquez (Real Madrid), Iago Aspas (Celta Vigo), Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid), Rodrigo (Valencia)

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