The successful manager has also left out Swansea forward Michu, who was expected to make the team following his impressive performances in the Premier League, while Bayern Munich's Javi Martinez did not make the cut either.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas misses out due to injury, with Liverpool's Pepe Reina taking his place in the squad.

Chelsea wing-back Cesar Azpilicueta and Malaga sensation Isco are both in line to make their Spain debut after receiving an invitation for the February 6 encounter.

Gerard Pique, Carles Puyol, Xavi and Xabi Alonso all return to the fold after missing the European champions' previous game due to injury.

Del Bosque said he could not call up all the players that deserved to represent their country because of the wealth of talent available to him.

"With this squad, we are left with the bad taste of being able to call up someone who is deserving of a place in the squad. But those who are coming deserve a call-up," Del Bosque told reporters.

"With this being a friendly, it is true that we could have experimented more. But we have to take preparation seriously. We have a very serious opponent who are Copa America holders and were fourth in the World Cup.

“I recognise (Michu's) worth and his goals in the Premier League, but I could not find space this time. It’s the same with (Celta Vigo's) Iago Aspas.

“I am honest and do not hide anything. In the position that he plays, Michu is competing with five or six from our team.

"We have great quality of players in midfield. You only need look at the Under-21 list. Isco and Thiago are great players, but they are not the only ones."

Spain squad:
Goalkeepers: Victor Valdes, Jose Manuel Reina
Defenders: Gerard Pique, Sergio Ramos, Carles Puyol, Cesa Azpilicueta, Jordi Alba, Alvaro Arbeloa, Nacho Monreal
Midfielders: Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas, Sergio Busquets, Santi Cazorla, Xavi, Isco, Xabi Alonso
Forwards: David Villa, David Silva, Alvaro Negredo, Pedro, Juan Mata