Spain call up Isco, Azpilicueta

Vicente del Bosque has named a 21-man squad for Spain’s friendly next week with Uruguay, with Isco and Cesar Azpilicueta included for the first time.

Despite speculation that any from Michu, Ruben Castro, Iago Aspas and Aritz Aduriz might get a look-in, as well as one from David de Gea and Vicente Guaita to replace the injured Iker Casillas, Del Bosque has named only the two new faces.

Malaga youngster Isco, fresh from a contract renewal this week, is handed a first call-up alongside Chelsea full-back Azpilicueta.

Victor Valdes and Pepe Reina will compete for a starting berth in goal, whilst Carles Puyol is a notable returning name after injury. This Seleccion is midfield-heavy, with only David Villa, Pedro Rodriguez and Alvaro Negredo specialised as forwards.

Next week’s friendly hosted in Doha, Qatar is reported to be worth €3m to the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), with proceeds set to be shared with the Spanish Players’ Association.

The squad does not include the likes of Javi Martinez, Juanfran Torres, Fernando Torres, Roberto Soldado or Jesus Navas.

Spain squad to play Uruguay: Reina (Liverpool), Valdes (Barcelona), Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Pique (Barcelona), Puyol (Barcelona), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Monreal (Arsenal), Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Busquets (Barcelona), Cesc (Barcelona), Iniesta (Barcelona), Silva (Manchester City), Cazorla (Arsenal), Xavi (Barcelona), Pedro (Barcelona), Isco (Malaga), Mata (Chelsea), Negredo (Sevilla), Villa (Barcelona)

Tags Aduriz Aspas Azpilicueta Chelsea Del Bosque Isco Michu Ruben Castro Spain
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