Fernando Torres’ Shot of Playing for Spain in Euro 2012 Takes Hit, Chelsea Striker Dropped from National Team

Fernando Torres, Spain's star striker, was once one of the Premier League's most feared goal-scorers. On Friday he was dropped from FIFA's No. 1 ranked team for it's upcoming friendly against Venezuela, according to the Daily Mail.

Despite an injury to David Villa, head coach Vincente del Bosque opted for new faces over the struggling Torres. He hasn't scored in over 20 games for Chelsea, and hasn't found the back of the net for Spain since Sept. 2010.

"This list is a base for the Euros, but it isn't definitive," said Del Bosque. "It hurts me to leave out Fernando Torres, but I cannot be unfair and hold back those who have been pushing to get in."

Instead of Torres, Del Bosque called on Valencia's Roberto Soldado, Athletic Bilbao's Iker Muniain and Fernando Llorente, and Sevilla's Alvaro Negredo.

Torres, who was sold to Chelsea from Liverpool in January 2011 for £50 million ($80 million), scored 81 goals in four-and-a-half years for Liverpool. He has scored just five for Chelsea in 48 appearances.

Del Bosque, whose Spanish team plays with a smooth style, said, "We’ve decided that in this case Torres won't come, but this doesn’t mean he isn't going to go to the European Championship."

There is still a chance that Torres gets picked to play in this summer's tournament, but Del Bosque will certainly look for another choice if he doesn't start scoring.

Photo via Flickr/myprofe