Spain coach Vicente del Bosque says Barcelona defender Gerard Pique asked not to be considered for selection this week.
His omission has raised questions as Pique featured last weekend against Villarreal.
Del Bosque explained: "I will just reiterate what Piqué told me.
"I spoke to him personally and he told me that he had a few niggling problems but that he could play for his club. Later, Luis Enrique, who is closer to the player than I am, decided that he was fit to play and fielded him (against Villarreal)."
