Juan Mata’s World Cup hopes in doubt after Spain snub

Juan Mata’s hopes of being selected for Spain at this summer’s World Cup have been dealt a blow after the Manchester United forward was left out of the squad for their friendly against Italy next Wednesday.

The United playmaker, who moved to Old Trafford from Chelsea in a £37.1m deal last month, has been omitted along with his former club team-mate Fernando Torres.

Mata sealed his move to United after he found his first-team opportunities at Chelsea limited under new manager Jose Mourinho.

And it appears that Spain coach Vicente del Bosque could have finalised his team ahead of their trip to Brazil in the summer.

Spain squad in full

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Pepe Reina (Napoli), Victor Valdes (Barcelona)

Defenders: Juanfran Torres (Atletico Madrid), Javi Martinez (Bayern Munich), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Raul Albiol (Napoli).

Midfielders: Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Sergio Busquets, Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta & Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Thiago Alcantara (Barca), Jesus Navas & David Silva (Man City), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal).

Attackers: Diego Costa (Atletico), Alvaro Negredo (Man City), Pedro Rodriguez (Barca).