Pique, Torres & Mata dropped in Spain squad.

Juan Mata, Fernando Torres, and Pepe Reina are some of the high-profile omissions from the latest Spain squad, with manager Vicente del Bosque naming five uncapped players for the friendly against France and the Euro 2016 qualifier against Macedonia.

“This is a squad for the present, but designed to look towards the future,” Del Bosque said after selecting the uncapped quintet of Dani Carvajal, Raúl García, Kiko Casilla, Mikel San José and Paco Alcácer, while recalling Isco, Marc Bartra and Ander Iturraspe.

However, Del Bosque said his squad was not a reaction to Spain’s dismal summer, when they became the first reigning champions ever to be dumped out of the World Cup after losing their opening two matches – thrashed 5-1 by Holland in the opener and then losing 2-0 to Chile.

“We had a wretched time, but we’ve accepted it and moved on,” he said. “There are no consequences. We were not forced to make changes. Every season hope is renewed. That is sport.”

Instead, many of Del Bosque’s changes are enforced following the international retirements of Xavi and Xabi Alonso, plus a number of injuries.

Pique is among those with a problem, and Del Bosque said he was consulted prior to his omission. “I have spoken to him and he has not yet recovered,” Del Bosque said. “He wants to keep coming but I only want to count on him when he is fit.”

The same goes for Manchester United’s expensive summer acquisition, the uncapped Ander Herrera, and Valencia forward Rodrigo, who both came under consideration but were not fit enough to be selected.

“Ander Hererra and Rodrigo might have been included but they have discomforts,” Del Bosque said. While Torres is out, his new Chelsea team-mate Diego Costa gets the call despite concerns over a hamstring injury.

“The medical team at Chelsea have told us it is not a serious problem, so we are not worried,” Del Bosque said.

Spain squad: Casillas (Real Madrid), De Gea (Manchester United), Casilla (Espanyol); Ramos (Real Madrid), Carvajal (Real Madrid), Juanfran (Atletico Madrid), San José (Athletic Bilbao), Albiol (Napoli), Bartra (Barcelona), Alba (Barcelona), Azpilicueta (Chelsea); Busquets (Barcelona), Cazorla (Arsenal), Fábregas (Chelsea), Iturraspe (Athletic Bilbao), Pedro (Barcelona), Isco (Real Madrid), Silva (Manchester City), Iniesta (Barcelona), Koke (Atletico Madrid), García (Atletico Madrid); Costa (Chelsea), Alcácer (Valencia).

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