New faces in the Spain football squad

Vicente Del Bosque showing off his skills during a training session

Madrid, May 26 (IANS)

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque on Tuesday left out Chelsea striker Diego Costa and Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara while handing debut call-ups to Sevilla duo, Sergio Rico and Alex Vidal in the 24-man squad.

Spain will play a friendly game against Costa Rica on June 11 and the 2016 European Championship qualifying tie away to Belarus three days later, reports Xinhua.

Rico and Vidal have been impressive as Sevilla finished fifth in the La Liga while also qualifying for Wednesday's Europea League final. Goalkeeper Rico, replaces Sergio Asenjo, who is sidelined through a serious knee injury while Vidal will give attacking pace down either wing for Spain.

Meanwhile Del Bosque admitted the reason he had not called up Costa and Thiago is that he had doubts over the fitness of players who have struggled with injury in recent months and didn't want to risk them suffering further physical problems.

The squad:

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas, David De Gea, Sergio Rico.

Defenders: Juanfran, Dani Carvajal, Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique, Marc Bartra, Jordi Alba, Juan Bernat, Mikel San Jose.

Midfielders: Koke, Sergio Busquets, David Silva, Isco, Santi Cazorla, Cesc Fabregas, Andres Iniesta, Pedro Rodriguez, Vitolo (Sevilla), Aleix Vidal.

Forwards: Paco Alcacer, Alvaro Morata, Nolito.