Team News: Spain drop Andres Iniesta for last-16 clash with Russia

Spain have benched veteran midfielder Andres Iniesta for their World Cup last-16 clash with hosts Russia.

The former Barcelona star's omission is one of three changes for the 2010 winners, with Thiago and Dani Carvajal also making way.

Koke, Nacho and Marco Asensio have been drafted in to replace the trio.

Meanwhile, hosts Russia have made four changes from the side which lost their final group match 3-0 to Uruguay.

Denis Cheryshev drops out of the side, despite having scored three times at the tournament, as does suspended defender Igor Smolnikov and midfield duo Aleksey Miranchuk and Yury Gazinsky.

Mario Fernandes, Yuri Zhirkov, Daler Kuzyayev and Aleksandr Golovin are their replacements.

Spain: De Gea; Nacho, Pique, Ramos, Alba; Busquets, Koke; Asensio, Isco, Silva; Costa Subs: Carvajal, Iniesta, Saul, Rodrigo, Thiago, Vazquez, Odriozola, Arrizabalaga, Azpilicueta, Monreal, Aspas, Reina

Russia: Akinfeev; Kutepov, Ignashevich, Kudryashov; Fernandes, Zobnin, Kuzyaev, Samedov, Zhirkov; Golovkin; Dzyuba Subs: Semenov, Cheryshev, Gazinskiy, Dzagoev, Smolov, Lunev, Granat, Al. Miranchuk, An. Miranchuk, Gabulov, Erokhin

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