David de Gea could be the notable inclusion in Vicente del Bosque’s Spain squad announced for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
La Roja face Finland in Gijon on March 22 before a crunch potential group decider with France four days later in Paris.
Del Bosque is certainly without Iker Casillas, who isn’t expected back to full fitness from hand surgery until March 30, so Manchester United’s Under-21 international De Gea is seen as likely to step up to take the third goalkeeper slot in the squad.
De Gea, however, could even take the second position behind Victor Valdes, as Pepe Reina remains a doubt up until the last minute after struggling with a calf injury picked up last Sunday for Liverpool.
Similarly, Xavi Hernandez’ condition will be assessed before Del Bosque decides whether or not to include him, after he suffered a recurrence of a thigh injury against Milan in midweek.
Xabi Alonso is expected to return to La Seleccion after missing the Qatar-based friendly with Uruguay last month, whilst Javi Martinez, Jesus Navas and Benat Etxebarria are all seen as in contention for a spot too.
Juanfran Torres and Cesar Azpilicueta are seen as in direct competition for a single space in the squad, as are Alvaro Negredo and Fernando Torres.
