Monreal replaces Alba

Arsenal full-back Nacho Monreal has been called up to the Spanish squad to replace the injured Jordi Alba for the squad to travel to Albania on Sunday.

Monreal has won 16 caps for Spain but has not been called up to the international squad since November 2013, less than ten months after he moved to North London after a two-year stint at Malaga.

The 30-year-old replaces Barcelona's Jordi Alba in the squad after the left-back went off injured in the 22nd minute of Thursday's 1-1 draw against Italy in Turin with a thigh injury.

Monreal will link-up with Julen Lopetegui's squad in Shkoder on Friday night ahead of the game with group toppers Albania, who have six points from their opening two games.

Spain's 1-1 draw in Italy followed an opening 8-0 home win over minnows Liechtenstein.

Fellow Spanish Arsenal full-back Hector Bellerin picked up a knock for the Under 21 side in training, but it is not thought to be serious.

Tags Arsenal Nacho Monreal Spain
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