Costa Named In Spain Squad  (Sky Sports)

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho had raised concerns over Costa’s hamstrings and suggested he should be rested by Spain.

However, Costa said on Wednesday he had no intention of skipping the double-header and has been included in Vicente del Bosque’s 23-man squad.

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has been drafted back in after being omitted for the opening qualifier against Macedonia, while his club-mate Andres Iniesta returns after injury.

Forward Rodrigo Morena, who is on loan at Valencia from Benfica, and Bayern Munich wing-back Juan Bernat could both be in line to make their senior debuts after being called up.

The two-time reigning champions Spain, who beat Macedonia 5-1 in their first competitive match since their miserable World Cup defence this summer, go to Slovakia on October 9 and then travel to Luxembourg three days later.

Spain squad:

Goalkeepers: Casillas (Real Madrid), De Gea (Manchester United), Casilla (Espanyol).

Defenders: Juanfran (Atletico Madrid), Ramos, Carvajal (both Real Madrid), Bernat (Bayern Munich), Alba (Barcelona), Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Albiol (Napoli), Pique (Barcelona).

Midfielders: Silva (Chelsea), Busquets, Iniesta, Pedro (all Barcelona), Fabregas (Chelsea), Cazorla (Arsenal), Iturraspe (Athletic Bilbao), Koke, Raul Garcia (both Atletico Madrid).

Forwards: Rodrigo, Alcacer (both Valencia), Costa (Chelsea).