Spain manager Julen Lopetegui named his 26 man squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Italy and Liechtenstein. The big surprise was the recall of David Villa after a three year absence, but otherwise there was only one new face, AC Milan’s Suso. Under 21 coach Albert Celades also announced his new squad for a friendly game against Italy and a European qualifier against Estonia. Most of the players who took part in the recent European finals are now over-age, although the likes of Dani Ceballos, Mikel Merino, Jorge Meré and Borja Mayoral are still included. Full squads as below. (25.08.17)
Senior squad:
Keepers: Kepa (Athletic Bilbao), De Gea (Manchester United), Reina (Napoli);
Defenders: Monreal (Arsenal), Jordi Alba and Piqué (Barcelona), Marc Bartra (Borussia Dortmund), Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Dani Carvajal, Nacho and Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid);
Midfielders: Koke and Saúl Ñíguez (Atlético Madrid), Busquets and Iniesta (Barcelona), Thiago (Bayern Munich), Vitolo (Las Palmas), David Silva (Manchester City), Suso (AC Milan), Isco and Marco Asensio (Real Madrid);
Forwards: Deulofeu (Barcelona), Morata and Pedro (Chelsea), Iago Aspas (Celta), David Villa (New York City).
PS. Vitolo pulled out with a knee injury, and Lucas Vázquez (Real Madrid) has been called up to replace him.
Under 21 squad:
Keepers: Sivera (Alavés), Unai Simón (Athletic Bilbao), Iván Villar (Celta);
Defenders: Unai Nuñez (Athletic Bilbao), Aarón Martín (Espanyol), Pablo Maffeo (Girona), Jorge Meré (Köln), Pol Lirola (Sassuolo), Jorge Sáenz (Tenerife), Toni Lato (Valencia);
Midfielders: Alfonso Pedraza (Alavés), Nahuel (Betis), Brahim Díaz (Manchester City), Mikel Merino (Newcastle), Dani Ceballos (Real Madrid), Carlos Soler (Valencia), Pablo Fornals and Rodri (Villarreal);
Forwards: Borja Mayoral (Real Madrid), Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Marc Gual (Sevilla).
PS. Sevilla Atlético’s David Carmona has replaced Pablo Maffeo, who has left the squad due to an injury.