Casillas out but Costa back for new-look Spain

Madrid, Aug. 26, (GNA/dpa) - Veteran goalkeeper Iker Casillas is not in the Spain squad announced Friday by new coach Julen Lopetegui, though 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 Liechtenstein.

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.

However, Lopetegui said Friday that the Spain door might still be open for Casillas, 35, who was reserve to David de Gea at Euro 2016.

"Iker is a reference point and an icon, but on this occasion we have decided that de Gea should be the first-choice keeper. But the national team door is certainly not closed for him (Casillas)."

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

Radio Marca commented that: "This really looks like the end of the road for Casillas, which is not really surprising at the age of 35...Now de Gea has to prove himself a worthy successor."

Casillas is Spain's most capped player, with 167 appearances. He captained La Roja to triumph at the 2010 World Cup as well as Euro 2008 and 2012.

Two other regulars omitted are Cesc Fabregas of Chelsea and Juanfran of Atletico Madrid.

In contrast, 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.

Spain's injury victims are Andres Iniesta of Barcelona and Isco of Real Madrid.

Spain have been draw into World Cup qualifying Group G along with Italy - who eliminated them at Euro 2016 - Albania, Israel, Liechtenstain and Macedonia.

Squad: Goalkeeper: David de Gea (Manchester United), Pepe Reina (Napoli), Adrian San Miguel (West Ham)

Defenders: Marc Bartra (Borussia Moenchegladbach), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Sergi Roberto (Barcelona), Javi Martinez (Bayern Munich)

Midfielders: Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), David Silva (Manchester City), Thiago (Bayern Munich), Saul (Atletico Madrid), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Juan Mata (Manchester United), Marco Asensio (Real Madrid)

Forwards: Alvaro Morata (Real Madrid), Lucas Vazquez (Real Madrid), Nolito (Manchester City), Paco Alcacer (Valencia), Diego Costa (Chelsea), Vitolo (Sevilla).

GNA