Xabi Alonso to miss Confederations Cup through injury

Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso has missed out on La Roja's final Confederations Cup squad after failing to recover from a groin injury.

Alonso was forced out of Real Madrid's final match of the season with the groin strain, which has proved to be a persistent problem in recent weeks.

With the playmaker unable to prove his fitness, Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has left Alonso out his final 23-man squad that was announced earlier today.

Manchester City midfielder Javi Garcia has also missed the cut as Del Bosque chopped his squad from 26 to 23, with Real Betis schemer Benat Etxebarria the final player to be omitted.

Seven Premier League players have been included in the final team, including Chelsea trio Juan Mata, Cesar Azpilicueta and Fernando Torres.

Arsenal duo Santi Cazorla and Nacho Monreal will also represent La Roja in Brazil, with the squad due to meet on Tuesday before travelling to Miami for friendlies against Haiti and the Republic of Ireland.

Spain's Confederations Cup squad: Casillas, Valdes, Reina, Arbeloa, Pique, Albiol, Azpilicueta, Alba, Ramos, Monreal, Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta, Javi Martinez, Navas, Mata, Silva, Cazorla,Fabregas, Villa, Torres, Soldado, Pedro