Spain announces Preliminary World Cup Squad

World Cup holders Spain have announced their provisional squad for this year's edition and there were not many surprises. The only player who has been left out unexpectedly is Isco.

Atletico Madrid's Diego Costa, who was born and raised in Brazil and made two friendly appearances for them last year before choosing to play for Spain, has been included in the squad. Fernando Torres has been included in the squad despite a poor domestic season. The two could play together in Brazil before they join up at Stamford Bridge with fresh reports claiming that a deal between Atletico and Chelsea for Costa is in place.

Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes has been ruled out of the World Cup and uncapped Manchester United shot-stopper David De Gea has been preferred to Real Madrid's first-choice goalkeeper Diego Lopez.

There is no place for Tottenham’s Roberto Soldado, Napoli’s Jose Callejon or Fiorentina’s Borja Valero, however. Llorente, who has enjoyed a strong comeback season with Juventus following a difficult final year at Athletic Bilbao but faces stiff competition from Costa, Torres, Villa and Alvaro Negredo for a spot on the plane to Brazil.

La Roja begin their title defence in Group B with an opening fixture against their 2010 Final opponents the Netherlands, before games with Chile and Australia. Del Bosque will announce the final 23- man squad list on May 25. 

THE SQUAD 

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Pepe Reina (Napoli), David De Gea (Manchester United).

Defenders: Dani Carvajal, Sergio Ramos (both Real Madrid), Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba (both Barcelona), Cesar Azplicueta (Chelsea), Juanfran (Atletico Madrid), Javi Martinez (Bayern Munich), Raul Albiol (Napoli), Alberto Moreno (Sevilla).

Midfielders: Sergio Busquets, Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas (all Barcelona), Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Ander Iturraspe (Athletic Bilbao), David Silva (Manchester City), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Tiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich), Juan Mata (Manchester United), Jesus Navas (Manchester City).

Forwards: Diego Costa, David Villa (both Atletico Madrid), Alvaro Negredo (Manchester City), Pedro Rodriguez (Barcelona), Fernando Llorente (Juventus), Fernando Torres (Chelsea).