Madrid: Spain coach Vicente del Bosque dropped midfielders Xabi Alonso, Javi Garcia and Benat Etxebarria from his final squad on Sunday for the Confederations Cup in June in Brazil.
Alonso missed several games at the end of the season for Real Madrid with back problems. Del Bosque released his final 23-man squad on the Spanish federation website. He had announced a 26-man squad earlier in the week with plans to drop three players after the Spanish league concluded on Saturday.
Spain play their first match at the June 15-30 tournament on June 16 against Uruguay in Recife.
Spain have won the past two European Championship titles and will look to retain their World Cup title at the 2014 tournament in Brazil.
The 31-year-old Alonso has formed part of Spain's midfield alongside Sergio Busquets and Xavi Hernandez during their winning run.
His absence may mean that Del Bosque will play a more attack-oriented formation and include another playmaker in his starting 11. Players who may come into the team include Santi Cazorla, Juan Mata, and David Silva.
Spain leave for the United States on Tuesday to play friendlies against Haiti and Ireland to warm up for the tournament.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Victor Valdes (Barcelona), Pepe Reina (Liverpool).
Defenders: Ignacio Monreal (Arsenal), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Raul Albiol (Real Madrid), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Alvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid).
Midfielders: Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Xavi Hernandez (Barcelona), Juan Mata (Chelsea), David Silva (Manchester City), Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona), Jesus Navas (Sevilla), Javier Martinez (Bayern Munich).
Forwards: Pedro Rodriguez (Barcelona), David Villa (Barcelona), Fernando Torres (Chelsea), Roberto Soldado (Valencia).
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