Spain international Alvaro Morata has admitted that he could fail to make La Roja’s squad for the summer World Cup in Russia. The 25-year-old had a strong start to his career with Chelsea earlier this season and he scored six goals in his first six Premier League games. However, he has since struggled to maintain any sort of consistency and has managed just one goal in the top-flight since December.

Speaking to Marca, Morata admitted that there is the possibility of him missing out on selection after failing to make the squad for the recent international friendlies against Germany and Spain. He is nevertheless prepared to work hard in the remaining weeks in order to convince Julen Lopetegui into picking him.

He said: “I would love to go to Russia. It’d be really tough not to go, but that is a possibility.The joy if you’re on the list can be great, but there’s a need to realise that the year hasn’t been the best and there’s a chance of staying at home.I know my season hasn’t been good. If I’d scored 30 goals then I’d say I’m sure of being on the list. Now I have to prepare for any outcome, but I’ll fight to go until the last minute.”

Morata had been Antonio Conte’s first-choice striker during the first half of the campaign before the Italian opted to utilise Eden Hazard in a false number nine role. Thereafter, Olivier Giroud has won over the manager with a couple of top-notch performances including one in the FA Cup semi-final and it now appears that Morata may have to settle for a bench role in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, Morata’s situation is likely to enhance the chances of one former Blue in Diego Costa. The Spaniard retained his spot under Lopetegui after impressing on his return to Atleti and his form has since been consistent. His most-recent goal came against Arsenal in the Europa League semi-final which they Atleti won by a 2-1 aggregate scoreline.