SPAIN head coach Vicente del Bosque admits he was forced to drop Diego Costa from his squad due to fitness issues.
The Chelsea star was expected to miss out on the upcoming friendlies with Italy and Romania following his behaviour during the defeat at Everton.
The controversial striker was sent off after a confrontation with Gareth Barry and could receive a three-match ban following an improper conduct charge over his reaction.
But Del Bosque insists Costa is not being punished and says he has every chance to make his Euro 2016 squad should he prove his fitness.
He said: "[He is not in the squad] mainly for health reasons. Against Paris Saint-Germain, Diego was replaced with a muscle injury.
"Four days after he surprisingly played (in the FA Cup against Everton) because Chelsea had a lot of to play in that game. They forced him to play and ended with little niggles.
"It looks like their doctors had claimed he is improving but we have decided not to include him in the squad. Those are the main reasons."
But Spanish football expert Guillem Balague said on the matter: "The main story is that Diego Costa has not been called up.
"There's nothing wrong with him, but he has been put 'in the fridge' so he can calm down a bit. Del Bosque feels he needs to think about how he behaves.
"With the behaviour we have seen in previous weeks, he will not be called up for the European Championship. It's up to him."