Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas has paid the price for his lack of starts under Antonio Conte this season after being omitted from Julen Lopetegui's latest Spain squad.

The midfielder out of his 23-man squad for Spain's World Cup qualifiers against Italy and Albania next week, although the La Roja coach insisted he still believes Fabregas has much to offer the national side.

"Cesc is a great player, but there are a lot of footballers who we like and everyone can't come."

Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta and Manchester United's Juan Mata have also failed to make the cut, but Diego Costa has been recalled following his fine form for the Blues this season.