New head coach Luis de la Fuente names first Spain squad
New Spain boss Luis de la Fuente has named his first squad since changing Luis Enrique as head coach of the 2010 world champions in direction of the tip of 2022.
Enrique departed his place following the frustration of the 2022 World Cup, with La Roja being eradicated within the last-16 stage of the competitors in Qatar.
Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has once more been neglected, however there’s a spot within the squad for Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga, with primary Unai Simon out by way of damage.
De la Fuente has saved simply 11 members of the squad from the World Cup, which means that there are 15 new faces within the choice following the competitors in direction of the tip of final 12 months.
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There are three uncapped gamers within the squad, with Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, Osasuna’s David Garcia and Espanyol’s Joselu rewarded for his or her sturdy kind this season.
“Our goalkeeper Unai Simon is out injured. We want him a speedy restoration,” De la Fuente informed reporters on Friday. “Kepa is essentially the most skilled of the three [Raya and Sanchez] however they must earn their place.
“We’ll take a look at how they do every day earlier than deciding who begins. All three are superb and I am certain whoever performs will do nicely. When choosing this squad, I’ve not appeared on the previous however relatively at present and the long run.”
Iago Aspas has discovered the again of the web on 11 events in La Liga this season for Celta Vigo, and the 35-year-old has additionally been introduced again into the squad.
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Barcelona’s Pedri was initially named within the squad, having made wonderful progress in his restoration from a hamstring problem, however the midfielder has suffered a setback – ruling him out of Sunday’s El Clasico – which has seen him withdraw.
“The nationwide coach, Luis de la Fuente, has unsummoned Pedri for the following few matches of the Spanish Nationwide Crew after the conversations held between the medical companies of the Royal Spanish Soccer Federation and Barcelona,” learn an official assertion from Spain.
Gavi and Alejandro Balde are due to this fact the one Barcelona gamers within the squad, whereas Real Madrid have three representatives within the form of Nacho, Dani Carvajal and Dani Ceballos.
Sergio Busquets has now retired from worldwide obligation, whereas Jordi Alba, Koke, Marcos Llorente, Ferran Torres, Marco Asensio and Ansu Fati are among the many notable absentees.
Spain will tackle Norway of their first Euro 2024 qualification fixture on March 25 earlier than persevering with their Group A marketing campaign in opposition to Scotland three days later.
Full Spain squad
Goalkeepers: Kepa Arrizabalaga (Chelsea), Robert Sanchez (Brighton & Hove Albion), David Raya (Brentford)
Defenders: Jose Gaya (Valencia), Alejandro Balde (Barcelona), Aymeric Laporte (Manchester City), Inigo Martinez (Athletic Bilbao), Nacho (Real Madrid), Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), David Garcia (Osasuna), Pedro Porro (Tottenham Hotspur)
Midfielders: Rodri (Manchester City), Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad), Mikel Merino (Real Sociedad), Gavi (Barcelona), Fabian Ruiz (Paris Saint-Germain), Dani Ceballos (Real Madrid)
Forwards: Alvaro Morata (Atletico Madrid), Dani Olmo (RB Leipzig), Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Bryan Gil (Sevilla), Mikel Oyazarbal (Real Sociedad), Iago Aspas (Celta Vigo), Joselu (Espanyol), Gerard Moreno (Villarreal)
