Spain boss Del Bosque explains decision to recall Chelsea’s Torres

Vicente del Bosque says his decision to recall Fernando Torres into the Spain squad for next month’s Confederations Cup is purely based on the Chelsea striker’s form.

The 29-year-old, who netted 22 goals for the west Londoners this season, has been included in the provisional squad for the tournament in Brazil after seeing his recent opportunities limited for La Roja.

“When Torres and Martinez didn’t come in before, it was because we didn’t think the moment was right. Now it is the opposite – they are both in good form,” said Del Bosque.

He added: “It’s almost impossible to have every player who merited a place. [Cesc] Fabregas, [David] Villa, Torres and Soldado are our four strikers. You could just as easily ask why we didn’t include [Imanol] Agirretxe, Iago Aspas, Michu.

“We can’t bring in everybody. We’ve deemed it fit to call up Soldado because he’s had a great season.

“We’ve called up those players who are going to help us have the best tournament.”

Torres is Spain’s sixth-most capped player with 100 to his name. His last appearance for the national team coming against Saudi Arabia back in September.

Spain’s opening Confederations Cup clash is in Recife on 16 June against 2011 Copa America winners Uruguay, with Tahiti and Nigeria also in Group B.

Provisional Spain squad

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Jose Reina (Liverpool), Victor Valdes (Barcelona).

Defenders: Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Raul Albiol (Real Madrid), Alvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Nacho Monreal (Arsenal), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid).

Midfielders: Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Benat Etxebarria (Real Betis), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal), Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona), Javi Garcia (Manchester City), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Javi Martinez (Bayern Munich), Juan Mata (Chelsea), Jesus Navas (Sevilla), Pedro (Barcelona), David Silva (Manchester City) Xavi (Barcelona).

Forwards: Fernando Torres (Chelsea), Roberto Soldado (Valencia), David Villa (Barcelona).