Torres back in Spain squad for Confed Cup

MADRID (AFP) –

Chelsea’s Spanish striker Fernando Torres at Stamford Bridge in London on May 19, 2013. Torres of Chelsea and Javi Martinez of Bayern Munich have both been given a recall to the Spanish preliminary squad to play in the Confederations Cup in Brazil next month.

Fernando Torres of Chelsea and Javi Martinez of Bayern Munich have both been given a recall to the Spanish preliminary squad to play in the Confederations Cup in Brazil next month.

Coach Vicente del Bosque had omitted Torres from his last few squads, but his improved club form has seen him brought back into the 26-strong party.

The former Liverpool and Atletico Madrid striker netted 22 goals in 64 appearances for Chelsea this season and was a regular scorer in the Blues’ successful Europa League campaign.

The group will be reduced to 23 for next month’s tournament in Brazil following this weekend’s final round of Spanish league matches.

Midfielder Martinez impressed in Bayern Munich’s 2-1 Champions League final victory over Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.

Also included in the provisional squad is Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas, who has not played for his club side since January.

Provisional Spain squad for Confederations Cup

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Victor Valdés (Barcelona) Pepe Reina (Liverpool/ENG)

Defenders: César Azpilicueta (Chelsea/ENG), Sergio Ramos, Raul Albiol, Alvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Jordi Alba, Gerard Piqué (Barcelona), Nacho Monreal (Arsenal/ENG)

Midfielders: Xavi Hernandez, Cesc Fabregas, Andrés Iniesta, Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Javi Martinez (Bayern Munich/GER), Javi Garcia (Manchester City/ENG), Benat Etxebarria (Real Betis) Santi Cazorla (Arsenal/ENG), Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Juan Mata (Chelsea/ENG)

Forwards: Pedro, David Villa (Barcelona), David Silva (Manchester City/ENG), Jesus Navas (Sévilla), Fernando Torres (Chelsea/ENG), Roberto Soldado (Valencia)