United midfielder in surprise international omission
Left out of Spain squad
By Chris
August 29 2014
Juan Mata has not been named in Spain's squad for upcoming matches against France and Macedonia, but goalkeeper David de Gea is included and may have worked his way up the pecking order.
Only months after his big-money switch to Old Trafford, Mata will be bitterly disappointed to have been left out of the squad.
Spain's feeble World Cup showing appears to have prompted big changes, with Fernando Torres another notable omission.
There's better news, however, for once-capped 23-year-old De Gea, who has previously faced a tricky battle with Iker Casillas and Pepe Reina for selection.
De Gea's only appearance for his country came in a friendly against El Salvador, and he spent the World Cup campaign warming the bench
Spain boss Vicente del Bosque has not named Reina in the squad, however, with Espanyol's Kiko Casilla preferred. This suggests de Gea may now be Spain's number two stopper, and will be hoping to be involved in the friendly against France and Euro 2016 qualifier against Macedonia.
De Gea has been ever present for United this season, conceding seven goals from three matches to date.