Morientes, Baraja out of Spain World Cup squad

MADRID, May 15: Liverpool striker Fernando Morientes has been left out of the Spain squad for the World Cup after Luis Aragones preferred to bolster his side's defence.

Valencia defender Carlos Marchena was included despite a mediocre season with the Primera Liga side, while Morientes was ignored after scoring just nine goals for Liverpool this season.

Marchena's Valencia team mates Ruben Baraja and Vicente were also left out, as were defenders Joan Capdevila and Javi Venta who had both been invited to last week's World Cup get-together.

Baraja was a regular in the team during Spain's qualification campaign, but Vicente has been struggling with ankle problems throughout the season and has only recently recovered full fitness.

Real Madrid striker Raul and Barcelona midfielder Xavi were both included despite missing much of the season with serious knee ligament injuries.

Spain have been drawn against Ukraine, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia in Group H in the World Cup, playing their opening match against Ukraine in Leipzig on June 14.

Spain will play three warm-up matches over the course of the next month, starting against Russia in Albacete on May 27.

They meet African champions Egypt in Elche on June 3 and fellow World Cup qualifiers Croatia in Geneva on June 7.

Squad: Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Pepe Reina (Liverpool), Santiago Canizares (Valencia) Defenders: Antonio Lopez (Atletico Madrid), Pablo Ibanez (Atletico Madrid), Carles Puyol (Barcelona), Juanito (Real Betis), Asier del Horno (Chelsea), Michel Salgado (Real Madrid), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Carlos Marchena (Valencia) Midfielders: Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal), Jose Antonio Reyes (Arsenal), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Xavi (Barcelona), Joaquin (Real Betis), Luis Garcia (Liverpool), Xabi Alonso (Liverpool), David Albelda (Valencia), Marcos Senna (Villarreal) Forwards: Fernando Torres (Atletico Madrid), Raul (Real Madrid), David Villa (Valencia)

Reuters