Torres earns Spain recall

27 May 2013 12:47

Fernando Torres has been recalled to a provisional Spain squad for this summer's Confederations Cup, along with Champions League winner Javi Martinez.

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque omitted Torres from his last few squads but has included the 29-year-old striker in a 26-man party. The group will be reduced to 23 for next month's tournament in Brazil following this weekend's final round of Primera Division matches.

Torres netted 22 goals in 64 appearances for Chelsea this season and was a regular scorer in the Blues' successful Europa League campaign, including netting the opening goal in the 2-1 final win over Benfica earlier this month.

Also earning a recall was midfielder Martinez, who produced an impressive performance in Bayern Munich's Champions League final victory over Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.

Manchester City midfielder Javi Garcia, Real Betis midfielder Benat Etxebarria and Valencia striker Roberto Soldado are also in the provisional group, along with captain Iker Casillas, who has not played for Real Madrid since January.

There is no place for Sevilla striker Alvaro Negredo or Athletic Bilbao forward Fernando Llorente, however.

Spain have been drawn in Group B of the Confederations Cup, with their first game coming against Uruguay in Recife on June 16.

Four days later they play Tahiti in Rio de Janeiro before taking on Nigeria in Fortaleza on June 23.

Prior to the tournament the world and European champions have friendlies against Haiti and the Republic of Ireland in the United States.

Spain squad: Casillas (Real Madrid), Reina (Liverpool), Valdes (Barcelona); Alba (Barcelona), Albiol (Real Madrid), Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Monreal (Arsenal), Pique (Barcelona), Ramos (Real Madrid); Alonso (Real Madrid), Benat (Real Betis), Busquets (Barcelona), Cazorla (Arsenal), Fabregas (Barcelona), Garcia (Manchester City), Iniesta (Barcelona), Martinez (Bayern Munich), Mata (Chelsea), Navas (Sevilla), Pedro (Barcelona), Silva (Manchester City) Xavi (Barcelona); Torres (Chelsea), Soldado (Valencia), Villa (Barcelona).

Source: PA