Spain coach Luis Enrique has explained omitting Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara from his World Cups squad.

Thiago was selected by Spain at the last two major tournaments, making substitute appearances on both occasions, but has missed out altogether on this occasion to pave the way for emerging talents such as Gavi and Pedri of Barcelona.

Sending his message to those who will not be participating on the biggest stage in world football, 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."