Spain defender Sergio Ramos has denied questioning Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa's commitment to the national team.
The Chelsea duo will play no part in Saturday's Euro 2016 qualifier against Belarus or the friendly against Germany the following Tuesday after reporting that they had suffered hamstring and groin problems.
Both players had completed 90 minutes for the Blues in their 2-1 win over Liverpool at the weekend, though, and Spain boss Vicente del Bosque has said he decided not to pick Costa to avoid confrontation. Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho had previously complained that the striker's appearances for La Roja had caused fitness troubles.
Ramos subsequently appeared to suggest the players could have been part of the Spain squad this month, telling EFE: "Often with injuries there can be a world of difference between what we have and what is said in public. Above all I would have like the players to show the same commitment to the national team as they do to their club."
The Real Madrid man has now told TVE that his remark was not intended as a criticism of Fabregas and Costa.
"I underlined the commitment that there should be in the national team, not that the two of them don't have it," he said. "Far from it."
Barcelona and Spain winger Pedro had earlier defended Costa and Fabregas.
"They've tried to pass the tests with the medical services," he told the media. "The gaffer has called up others. It's a shame they're not here -- they're important players -- but I think that everyone wants to come and play for Spain. That's what the doctors and the manager are there for. It's an issue we shouldn't get involved in."