Arsenal's Japan international fullback Takehiro Tomiyasu was shocked to discover Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara is not in Spain's World Cup squad.

Japan will play against Spain in Group E on December 1, but games against Germany and Costa Rica will take place beforehand.

Gunners defender Tomiyasu, who has struggled with injuries this term, was asked to name his favourite national team player.

The right-back picked out Liverpool's midfield maestro Thiago, only to find out the 31-year-old was not selected to represent the 2010 World Cup winners.

Sergio Busquets, Rodri, Gavi, Pedri, Carlos Soler, Koke and Marcos Llorente were all selected ahead of Thiago.

In an interview with AS TV, Tomyiasu said: "Thiago Alcantara? He's not coming [to the World Cup].

"He's not coming?! Sorry, I didn't know that!"

Spain boss Luis Enrique doubled down on his decision to leave Thiago out of his 26-man squad.

Enrique said: "The message is of thanks. I know it's a disappointment. They deserved to be here, but only 26 can be in the squad.

"If it were a normal World Cup, we would integrate the physical needs into the training, but halfway through the season we are not going to work on the physical level of a player.

"I'm not going to go into the players that aren't on the list. I thank everyone who has helped us get here, but now the important ones are the 26 called up.

"We have a lot of young people, but also veterans. There is a good mix."