Chelsea striker Morata to miss out on Russia finals

Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata has been left out of the Spain squad that will travel to the World Cup. The 25-year-old managed only 11 league goals for the London club in the recently concluded season and only appeared as a lastminute substitute in Saturday’s FA Cup final victory over Manchester United.

United goalkeeper David de Gea, Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta, Arsenal’s Nacho Monreal and David Silva of Manchester City are the Premier League players who have made Julen Lopetegui’s 23-man squad.

Morata, who struggled during his debut campaign at Stamford Bridge, is joined by his Chelsea team-mates, Cesc Fabregas and Marcos Alonso, in missing out on a ticket to Russia.

After the announcement, Morata tweeted: “Good luck at the World Cup! I will be supporting you, as always!”

Arsenal full-back Hector Bellerin, Atletico Madrid forward Vitolo and Bayern Munich midfielder Javi Martinez are also surprise omissions.

El Clasico stars Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique, Isco, Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta, Lucas Vazquez, Jordi Alba, Nacho and Dani Carvajal will fly the flag for Barcelona and Real Madrid. Iniesta played his last game for Barca on Sunday after a 16-year spell at the Nou Camp. Former Chelsea striker Diego Costa, now back at Atletico, has made the cut after plundering seven goals for the capital club following his return to eligibility in January.