Chelsea’s goal-shy striker Fernando Torres was the notable omission from Spain manager Vicente del Bosque’s 24-man squad announced yesterday to face Venezuela in Malaga next week.

The 27-year-old, who scored the winning goal for Spain in the Euro 2008 final against Germany, has struggled mightily since joining Chelsea and has failed to find the back of the net in his last 24 outings for the Premier League side, a barren run that has ultimately cost him his place in the national team.

His absence marks the first time he has been overlooked by his country since missing a friendly against Romania in November 2006.

Del Bosque admitted the striker’s return of just four goals in all competitions this season left him little choice but to exclude him.

“Torres is not doing well, and we’ve considered it appropriate that in this case he won’t come,” he told reporters at the Spanish football federation’s headquarters.

“It pains me to leave out Fernando, but I can’t be unfair and stop those who are pushing to get in.”

Barcelona forward Pedro, whose season has been disrupted by injury, was also left out by Del Bosque as was Real Madrid defender Raul Albiol.

Meanwhile, Valencia forward Roberto Soldado was recalled to the squad, having made his last appearance for Spain in June 2007. The former Getafe hitman has just two caps to his name but has tallied 45 goals in 62 appearances since moving to La Mestalla in the summer of 2010.

Athletic Bilbao’s highly-rated youngster Iker Muniain received his first call-up to the senior squad and will vie with Bilbao team-mate Fernando Llorente and Sevilla frontman Alvaro Negredo for a spot in attack.

Wednesday’s friendly at La Rosaleda marks the final match for La Roja before Del Bosque announces his squad for Euro 2012 on May 15.

However Del Bosque stressed he could still make changes before deciding upon his 23-man squad for Poland and Ukraine.

“It is not a definitive list in anticipation of the Euro,” he added.