Michu, Torres miss out for Spain

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has overlooked Michu and again omitted Fernando Torres for the friendly with Uruguay in Qatar.

Last Updated: 01/02/13 at 14:04 Post Comment    Bet with SkyBet  World Cup. Click here to bet.

Michu: Not in Spain squad

Michu: Not in Spain squad

Manager Specials

So who will replace David Moyes as manager of Everton after his appointment as Sir Alex Ferguson's successor at Manchester United? Wigan's Robert Martinez heads the betting. Check out the latest odds

Chelsea striker Torres was also left out of the Spain squad for the friendly with Panama at the end of last year but Michu had been tipped for a possible call-up after netting 16 goals in all competitions for the Swans this season.

Del Bosque admitted it was a tough decision not to give the uncapped 26-year-old a place in his 21-man squad.

He said: "It's left a little bit of a bad taste in the mouth not to call up someone who deserves it. But those who have been named also deserve it.

"We recognise his worth and his goals in the Premier League, but we couldn't find a space for him at the moment.

"The same thing happened with Iago Aspas. I'm honest and don't hide anything. In the position which Michu plays there is great competition with five or six players."

Del Bosque's main striking options for the Uruguay match are Alvaro Negredo and Spain's record goalscorer David Villa, who has been named in the squad despite not being a regular in the Barcelona line-up since returning from his serious leg injury.

Regarding Torres, Del Bosque said: "Torres is one of our most experienced players at international level, but neither could we find a space for him now.

"Villa's case is not comparable with anybody.

"I'm not worried that Villa is only playing a little. Every time he's gone out he's done well. There's a lot of competition in his team. His case is unique; he had a very serious injury, but he's played a very important part in our recent successes."

Torres' Chelsea team-mate Cesar Azpilicueta has been included in the squad and the full-back could be in line to make his first Spain appearance against Uruguay.

It is a similar story for uncapped midfielder Isco, was has been called up on the back of some impressive performances for Malaga.

Carles Puyol, who has not played for his country since last February due to injury, is also in the travelling party and would make his 100th appearance for the world and European champions if he takes the field in Doha.

Captain and goalkeeper Iker Casillas misses the match due to a broken hand, while recent call-ups Jesus Navas, Roberto Soldado, Raul Albiol, Benat Etxebarria, Martin Montoya, Markel Susaeta and Javi Martinez have all been omitted.

Del Bosque said: "I know it's a friendly game and that we could have experimented more but we need to use this match as a preparation game, because in March we face two very difficult games.

"We have to treat it with the utmost seriousness, because we are also facing an opponent in Uruguay who are the South American champions, who reached the World Cup semi-finals and are fighting to qualify for Brazil 2014."

Spain are currently top of their World Cup qualifying group but only on goal difference from France, who they face away in March along with bottom-placed Finland.

Spain squad to play Uruguay in Doha on February 6: Valdes (Barcelona), Reina (Liverpool); Ramos (Real Madrid), Pique (Barcelona), Puyol (Barcelona), Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Alba (Barcelona), Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Monreal (Arsenal); Iniesta (Barcelona ), Fabregas (Barcelona), Busquets (Barcelona), Cazorla (Arsenal), Xavi (Barcelona), Isco (Malaga), Alonso (Real Madrid), Silva (Man City), Mata (Chelsea), Pedro (Barcelona); Negredo (Sevilla), Villa (Barcelona).

Bet with SkyBet  World Cup. Click here to bet.

TEAMtalk Facebook Fan Page

The TEAMtalk fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

Y

et another example of Cameron's broken Britton.

varicoseregent
Britton prepares for surgery

I

ve heard his older brother might be joining as part of the deal too... Roland.

wezmond
West Ham sign defender Rat

I

think it's time anyway. That hat must smell awful by now. Time for a change and a rinse

levi
Pulis' Stoke exit confirmed

Footer 365

Pellegrini: I'm leaving Malaga

Manchester City managerial target Manuel Pellegrini has confirmed he will be leaving Malaga for "sporting reasons" at the end of the season.

Duo join Fulham as free agents

Athletic Bilbao's Fernando Amorebieta and Dnipro midfielder Derek Boateng have both joined Fulham on free transfers.

Neymar wants Barcelona move

Barcelona is the chosen destination for striker Neymar, according to Santos vice-president Odilio Rodriques.

Mail Box

A Night In The Pub With Aston Villa...

Villa are the latest team to get the pub treatment, while the morning mailbox also includes missives on Tony Pulis leaving Stoke and Chelsea's future under Jose Mourinho...

Mourinho Isn't Short-Term, Football Is

There's more in the afternoon Mailbox about Jose Mourinho and his potential return to Chelsea, while there's also a link to some pictures of eagles that look like Arsene Wenger...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved