Aspas replaces Costa in Spain squad

Luis Enrique has recalled Iago Aspas after Diego Costa was forced to withdraw from the upcoming matches against England and Croatia.

Published : Sep 03, 2018 20:44 IST

Diego Costa in action for Spain at the World Cup.
Diego Costa in action for Spain at the World Cup.
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Diego Costa in action for Spain at the World Cup.

Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa has pulled out of the Spain squad for personal reasons with Iago Aspas called up as his replacement.

New boss Luis Enrique had included Costa as one of three out-and-out centre-forwards for the upcoming Nations League matches against England and Croatia.

Celta forward Aspas, 31, will instead get another chance to impress having initially been one of 10 World Cup participants omitted from Enrique's first squad.

Read: Alba doesn't understand Spain snub but denies Luis Enrique problems

The ex-Liverpool man scored once in Russia during a group stage draw with Morocco, but crucially missed his attempt in the last-16 shootout defeat to the host nation.

Aspas, who has won 13 caps in total, opened his account for the new season in Celta's 2-0 weekend win over Atleti, for whom Costa played a full 90 minutes.

Spain takes on England at Wembley Stadium on September 8, three days before the home meeting with Croatia.

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