Spain announce squad for June fixtures

Real Madrid forward Marco Asensio and Athletic Club Bilbao goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga are among the notable inclusions in Spain’s latest squad.

La Roja will play Colombia in a friendly match on June 7 before travelling to Macedonia four days later in a crucial World Cup qualifier, while Coach Julen Lopetegui focused on the importance of Isco to his squad and explained the reason for high-profile absentees.

Chelsea duo Cesc Fabregas and Marcos Alonso are among the players not to make the cut, along with Real Madrid forward Lucas Vazquez, Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez and Athletic Club striker Aritz Aduriz.

“Players will come into the squad at the time that is right for them, there are many differences for when they end the season so it will be individualised,” Lopetegui explained upon the squad announcement.

“There are many players who deserve to be here but are not due to the quantity of excellent players, such as Cesc (Fabregas) or Lucas Vazquez.

“Isco’s progression is very promising and is exactly what a manager dreams of, he is having an exceptional season at Real Madrid and is developing into a fantastic player.

“It will be a massive match for our qualification hopes for the World Cup, we know Macedonia are a very difficult opponent and will make things complicated for us.

“Colombia will be a strong test for us and will allow us to prepare going forwards in competitive matches.”

Spain squad: Kepa, De Gea, Reina, Ramos, Pique, Alba, Azpilicueta, Carvajal, Nacho, Monreal, S Roberto, Illarramendi, Busquets, Iniesta, Koke, Thiago, Isco, Asensio, Pedro, Vitolo, Silva, Morata, Deulofeu, Costa, Aspas

Tags Julen Lopetegui Spain
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