Chelsea pair Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa have been left out of the latest Spain squad, ostensibly because of groin and hamstring injuries respectively.

But with the spectre of Jose Mourinho looming in the background, it seems like a Cold War is brewing between La Furia Roja and the London club.

Spain manager Vicente Del Bosque has already indicated that he wanted to avoid "confrontation" by leaving out Costa after previous comments by Mourinho, while Fabregas flew to Madrid to have his injury checked out. 

Sergio Ramos has also appeared critical of the fact that both players are unavailable.

To shed light on the issue, our European football correspondent Graham Hunter joined us on the line from San Sebastian.

"There's no doubt in my mind that it's the right decision [to leave out Costa]," said Graham, who expects the striker to develop into an important piece of the puzzle for Spain as the years progress.

"Right now he's not [important]. It's Belarus and he has been struggling with an injury."

He also explained that manager Del Bosque believes it is the right decision to leave out both he and Fabregas for this international window, even at a time when Spain are currently vulnerable as youngsters can step into the breach.

Graham also spoke about the evolution of Real Sociedad and their place in the hierarchy of Spanish football as David Moyes takes the reigns, and why he is optimistic that his countryman has the tools to succeed at the Basque club.

Full interview below: