MADRID // Vincente del Bosque, the Spain manager, included Diego Costa in his 23-man squad for Brazil despite lingering worries over a leg injury to the striker.
Costa has been hobbling for weeks by a right thigh muscle problem, but coach Del Bosque is prepared to gamble that the Atletico Madrid forward will be fit to lead the defending champions’ attack.
Costa, who is a Brazilian-born Spanish national, is expected to start ahead of Fernando Torres and David Villa, who were also in the squad. As expected, winger Jesus Navas was left out while Juan Mata was included despite a mixed Premier League season.
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Spain open against the Netherlands on June 13 in a repeat of the 2010 final. They also play Chile and Australia in Group B.
Sixteen of the 23 squad players who lifted the World Cup four years ago return for Spain.
Del Bosque seemed to choose players like Mata and Torres on favour rather than obvious merit heading into Brazil, with Real Madrid playmaker Isco among those discarded. Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara was unavailable because of injury.
While Costa’s inclusion was hardly shocking, Del Bosque’s decision to base Spain’s attack around a forward who has been nagged by a hamstring problem over the final two months of the season is surprising considering his options.
Del Bosque stuck by Costa despite the availability of Juventus striker Fernando Llorente and Manchester City striker Alvaro Negredo.
Negredo found himself starting from the bench over the close of the club season, but Llorente – who was part of the Spain squad at the last two major tournaments – enjoyed a strong debut season at Juventus with 16 goals.
Del Bosque said on Friday after Spain’s 2-0 friendly win over Bolivia that he has faith in Torres, who scored just five Premier League goals this season.
Villa, the country’s all-time leading scorer, has seen his form dip but can easily slide into Spain’s possession-based combination game.
Midfielder Cesc Fabregas is expected to reprise his role as an unorthodox striker when needed.
Apart from question marks over the attack, it is hard to pick out a weak spot in Spain’s squad.
Captain Iker Casillas will start in goal ahead of Pepe Reina and David de Gea, while versatile Bayern Munich midfielder Javi Martinez can step in for either Sergio Ramos or Gerard Pique at centre-back if needed.
Cesar Azpilicueta’s strong performance against Bolivia should cement the Chelsea defender’s spot on the right side of the starting 11 with Jordi Alba on the left. Full-back Dani Carvajal was ultimately omitted despite a strong debut season for Real Madrid.
Sergio Busquets and Xabi Alonso provide cover in midfield behind Andres Iniesta, Xavi, David Silva and Santi Cazorla, while Koke could enjoy playing time too after a standout season for Atletico Madrid.
SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Pepe Reina (Napoli), David De Gea (Manchester United)
Defenders: Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Raul Albiol (Napoli), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Juanfran (Atletico Madrid), Jordi Alba (Barcelona)
Midfielders: Xavi (Barcelona), Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Javi Martinez (Bayern Munich), David Silva (Manchester City), , Juan Mata (Manchester United)
Forwards: Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid), Fernando Torres (Chelsea), Pedro (Barcelona)David Villa (Atletico Madrid)
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