Sergio Ramos has been excluded from the Spanish squad for Euro 2020 as manager Luis Enrique chose not to select any Real Madrid player from his 24-man squad.

The 35-year-old suffered muscle injuries and a knee problem that required surgery, meaning he has only played once since March, when he was on the side of the Real who lost 2-0 to Chelsea in the Champions League semi-final second leg defeat at Stamford Bridge on May 5.

Spain will take part in a major tournament for the first time in its history without any representative from Real.

“It was a very difficult decision but he [Ramos] hasn’t been able to play this season and hasn’t practiced much since January, ”said Enrique.

“I called him yesterday [Sunday] – it was hard, difficult.

“I feel bad because he is very professional and he helps the national team a lot. And he can still help him in the future. But I have to look for the best for the team.”

Manchester City center-back Aymeric Laporte is included, however, after he became available for selection after changing his nationality from France to Spain.

Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez also gets the nod, despite only being the club’s fourth pick at the start of the season.

Sanchez didn’t make his Seagulls debut until November, but then established himself as Graham Potter’s first-choice goalie.

Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga misses the selection after losing his Premier League place to Edouard Mendy this season.

Celta Vigo forward Iago Aspas, Sevilla’s Jesus Navas and Real Betis’ Sergio Canales are among the La Liga-shaped players to miss the cup.

Enrique selected only 24 players instead of the maximum number of 26 players allowed.

The full Spanish team for Euro 2020:

Goalkeepers: Unai Simon (Athletic Club), David de Gea (Manchester United), Robert Sanchez (Brighton).

Defenders: Jose Gaya (Valencia), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Pau Torres (Villarreal), Aymeric Laporte (Manchester City), Eric Garcia (Manchester City), Diego Llorente (Leeds), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea).

Midfielders: Marcos Llorente (Atletico Madrid), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Rodri (Manchester City), Pedri (Barcelona), Thiago (Liverpool), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Fabian (Naples), Dani Olmo (RB Leipzig), Pablo Sarabia ( Paris Saint Germain).

Attackers: Gerard Moreno (Villarreal), Alvaro Morata (Atletico Madrid), Ferran Torres (Manchester City), Adama Traoré (wolves), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad).