Spain manager Julen Lopetegui has picked a 25 man squad for the upcoming friendly games against Costa Rica and Russia. Lazio’s Luis Alberto (ex Sevilla, Liverpool, Málaga, Deportivo...) is called up for the first time, and there is a recall for Liverpool’s Alberto Moreno, as well as for Suso and Vitolo. Of the last squad and sundry replacements, out for various reasons (including injury) go Carvajal, Monreal, Azpilicueta, Koke, Jonathan Viera, Pedro and Aduríz, although Odriozola retains his place. Under 21 coach Albert Celades also announced a 21 man squad for the European qualifiers against Iceland and Slovakia, both to be played at home. There were no surprises, although Newcastle’s Mikel Merino misses out due to an injury. Full squads as below. (03.11.17)
Senior squad:
Keepers: Kepa (Athletic Bilbao), De Gea (Manchester United), Reina (Napoli);
Defenders: Jordi Alba and Piqué (Barcelona), Marc Bartra (Borussia Dortmund), Alberto Moreno (Liverpool), Nacho and Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Odriozola (Real Sociedad);
Midfielders: Suso (AC Milan), Saúl Ñíguez (Atlético Madrid), Busquets and Iniesta (Barcelona), Thiago (Bayern Munich), Vitolo (Las Palmas), David Silva (Manchester City), Isco and Marco Asensio (Real Madrid), Illarramendi (Real Sociedad);
Forwards: Morata (Chelsea), Iago Aspas (Celta), Luis Alberto (Lazio), Callejón (Napoli), Rodrigo (Valencia).
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), Jesús Vallejo (Real Madrid), Toni Lato (Valencia);
Midfielders: Alfonso Pedraza (Alavés), Fabián (Betis), Dani Ceballos (Real Madrid), Zubeldia (Real Sociedad), Carlos Soler (Valencia), Pablo Fornals and Rodri (Villarreal);
Forwards: Córdoba (Athletic Bilbao), Borja Mayoral (Real Madrid), Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Marc Gual (Sevilla).