Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque has gambled on the Brazil-born striker being fit in time for the World Cup.
Manchester City forward Alvaro Negredo has been left out, along with his teammate Jesus Navas.
Chelsea’s Fernando Torres has made the squad for Brazil, despite limited club appearances last season.
Deciding on his strikers this week must have been difficult for Del Bosque. On Friday, he saw Torres score a penalty in a friendly against Bolivia, but the forward also spurned a golden chance with only the goalkeeper to beat.
The former Real Madrid manager must be confident that Costa will be ready, and Torres will be sharper, in Brazil.
