Casillas out, Costa in for Spain WC18 bid

Aug 26, 2016 - 11:31 AM Veteran goalkeeper Iker Casillas is not in the Spain squad announced on Friday by new coach Julen Lopetegui, although Chelsea striker Diego Costa has been brought back after missing Euro 2016.

Lopetegui's first squad is for the September 1 friendly against Belgium and the September 5 World Cup qualifier against Lichtenstein.

Lopetegui - who took over from Vicente del Bosque in July - had lunch earlier this week with Casillas and reportedly told the Porto veteran that his 16-year highly successful international career was over.

Casillas, 35, was reserve to David de Gea at Euro 2016.

Lopetegui has called up veteran Pepe Reina of Napoli and the uncapped Adrian San Miguel of West Ham as his other keepers.

Costa has been given another chance by Lopetegui, despite only having scored once in 10 outings for Spain.

Also recalled in attack are Paco Alcacer, who is reportedly poised to leave Valencia for Barcelona, and Juan Mata of Manchester United.

Real Madrid youngster Marco Asensio - who scored a memorable goal Sunday at Real Sociedad - has been called up for the first time.

Squad: Goalkeeper: David de Gea (Man United), Pepe Reina (Napoli), Adrian San Miguel (West Ham) Defenders: Marc Bartra (Borussia Moenchegladbach), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Gerard Pique (Barca), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Dani Carvajal (Real), Sergi Roberto (Barca), Javi Martinez (Bayern Munich) Midfielders: Sergio Busquets (Barca), David Silva (Man City), Thiago (Bayern), Saul (Atletico Madrid), Koke (Atletico), Juan Mata (Man United), Marco Asensio (Real) Forwards: Alvaro Morata (Real), Lucas Vazquez (Real), Nolito (Man City), Paco Alcacer (Valencia), Diego Costa (Chelsea), Vitolo (Sevilla).

Source: AAP