Madrid — Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has dropped striker Diego Costa for the European Championship qualifier next week while the Chelsea striker nurses a groin injury.
Del Bosque says "our doctors have been in contact with Chelsea's doctors and they have agreed it would be best for him to rest."
He made six changes from his last squad, giving forwards Jose Callejon, Manuel "Nolito" Agudo, Alvaro Morata and midfielder Ignacio Camacho chances to make their national team debuts.
Spain hosts Belarus in a qualifier for Euro 2016 on Nov. 15 in the southern city of Huelva.
Three days later, Spain, the two-time defending European champion, hosts world champion Germany in a friendly in Vigo.