Spain’s new coach Julen Lopetegui named his first 24-man squad for the upcoming friendly match against Belgium and World Cup qualifier against Liechtenstein. After meeting with Iker Casillas, Lopetegui announced that the veteran keeper would not be included, with Reina (Napoli) and the uncapped Adrián (West Ham) joining De Gea as the three men between the sticks. Several of the Euro 2016 squad have been left out as well as Casillas and Sergio Rico, including Juanfran, San José, Iniesta (injured), Fàbregas, Bruno, Pedro and Aduríz, and Bellerín drops back in to the under 21 squad for the two Euro qualifiers against San Marino and Sweden. Recalled are Dani Carvajal, Javi Martínez, Sergi Roberto, Marco Asensio, Mata, Paco Alcácer, Vitolo and Diego Costa, and Saúl Ñíguez* will be in the senior squad for the Belgium match, then drop to the under 21 to play against Sweden. Albert Celades has included two new faces in his under 21 group, Sevilla’s Diego González, and Borussia Dortmund’s Mikel Merino (formerly at Osasuna). Full squads as below. (26.08.16)
Senior squad:
Keepers: De Gea (Manchester United), Reina (Napoli), Adrián (West Ham);
Defenders: Jordi Alba, Piqué and Sergi Roberto (Barcelona), Javi Martínez (Bayern Munich), Marc Bartra (Borussia Dortmund), Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Dani Carvajal and Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid);
Midfielders: Koke and Saúl Ñíguez (Atlético Madrid)*, Busquets (Barcelona), Thiago (Bayern Munich), David Silva (Manchester City), Mata (Manchester United), Marco Asensio and Lucas Vázquez (Real Madrid), Vitolo (Sevilla);
Forwards: Diego Costa (Chelsea), Nolito (Manchester City), Morata (Real Madrid), Paco Alcácer (Valencia).
Under 21 squad:
Keepers: Kepa (Athletic Bilbao), Pau López (Espanyol), Remiro (Levante);
Defenders: Bellerín (Arsenal), Grimaldo (Benfica), Jonny (Celta), Jorge Meré (Sporting Gijón), Diego González (Sevilla), Gayà (Valencia);
Midfielders: Saúl Ñíguez* and Oliver Torres (Atlético Madrid), Sergi Samper and Denis Suárez (Barcelona), Dani Ceballos (Betis), Mikel Merino (Borussia Dortmund);
Forwards: Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Munir (Barcelona), Deulofeu (Everton), Santi Mina (Valencia), Borja Mayoral (Wolfsburg).