Alonso to miss Confederations Cup

Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso has been left out of Spain manager Vicente Del Bosque's final 23-man squad for the Confederations Cup due to a groin injury. Despite Alonso's absence, midfielders Benat Extebarria and Javi Garcia have also been left out from the original 26-man list Del Bosque delivered earlier this week. Alonso has struggled with injuries in the second-half of the season and has not been given the all-clear by Madrid's doctors to take part in the competition which starts on June 15. Arsenal's Nacho Monreal has been included as back-up to Jordi Alba at left-back despite a back problem that has prevented him playing since the beginning of May. And Roberto Soldado's fine goal-scoring form towards the end of the campaign for Valencia has ensured he is included alongside Fernando Torres and David Villa as Del Bosque's main striking options. The world champions begin their preparation for the tournament in Brazil later this month with friendlies against Haiti and the Republic of Ireland in the USA on June 8 and 11 respectively. And they will then travel to South America for their opening game of the tournament against Uruguay on June 16 in Recife. Squad Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Pepe Reina (Liverpool/ENG), Victor Valdes (Barcelona) Defenders: Nacho Monreal (Arsenal/ENG), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Raul Albiol, Sergio Ramos, Alvaro Arbeloa (all Real Madrid), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea/ENG) Midfielders: Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets, Xavi Hernandez, Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal/ENG), Javi Martinez (Bayern Munich/GER) Forwards: Juan Mata, Fernando Torres (Chelsea), David Silva (Manchester City/ENG), Pedro, David Villa (Barcelona), Jesus Navas (Sevilla), Roberto Soldado (Valencia) Source: AFP