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Spain World Cup squad: Shock news emerges with TWO stars set to be axed after leak claim
THE Spain World Cup squad is announced today but two key names from their qualification campaign could miss out.
Spain World Cup squad: Alvaro Morata and Vitolo could both miss out
Spanish newspaper Marca say there is a possibility that both Alvaro Morata of Chelsea or Atletico Madrid striker Vitolo could be axed.
That is despite the pair scoring nine of the 36 goals during qualifying.
Only two players have more goals for Spain than Morata under boss Julen Lopetegui - Isco and David Silva - and he was a regular in the side.
But the striker has since fallen out of favour under Antonio Conte, culminating in being dropped for the FA Cup final against Manchester United on Sunday.
Vitolo too has had a difficult season following his move to Atletico Madrid from Sevilla with Real Madrid’s Lucas Vazquez a possibility to replace him in the squad.
Boss 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.”
Spain World Cup squad: Vitolo could be left out the Spain squad
Marca last week said that 20 of the 23 players are already ‘set in stone’ - and they have named them on their website.
It’s claimed Lopetegui will name three goalkeepers in his squad - Manchester United’s David De Gea, former Liverpool star Reina and Athletic Bilbao stopper Kepa. Villarreal’s Sergio Asenjo will be a back-up option if one of those gets injured.
There are five names considered ‘certainties’ in defence, Marca say. Those are Dani Carvajal, Nacho Fernandez, Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba.
Chelsea duo Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso will fight with Marc Bartra for alternative spots - although there will be no place for Arsenal's Nacho Monreal. He is said to be out the reckoning completely.
There are nine midfielders who are ‘indisputable’ in terms of selection, Marca say. Those are Sergio Busquets, Thiago Alcantara, Koke, Saul Niguez, Andres Iniesta, David Silva, Isco, Marco Asensio and Lucas Vazquez.
Spain World Cup squad: Alvaro Morata celebrates with the FA Cup - but he was left out the XI
If injuries arise, Asier Illarramendi, Javi Martinez, Jose Callejon, Suso and Dani Parejo are alternative options.
In terms of strikers, Diego Costa, Iago Aspas and Rodrigo Moreno are all likely to be included.
Spain World Cup squad
The 20 men suggested by Marca who are going
Goalkeepers: David De Gea, Pepe Reina, Kepa
Defenders: Dani Carvajal, Nacho Fernandez, Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique Jordi Alba.
Midfielders: Sergio Busquets, Thiago Alcantara, Koke, Saul Niguez, Andres Iniesta, David Silva, Isco, Marco Asensio, Lucas Vazquez.
Forwards: Diego Costa, Iago Aspas, Rodrigo Moreno.