Xinhua
17 Mar 2023, 22:55 GMT+10
MADRID, March 17 (Xinhua) -- New Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has made several changes from the squad named by his predecessor Luis Enrique for the World Cup in Qatar.
The former Under-21 coach on Friday handed returns to players such as Real Sociedad forward Mikel Oyarzabal, Villarreal striker Gerard Moreno and Athletic Club Bilbao defender Inigo Martinez, all of who were injured for Qatar, while also handing debut call-ups to several players.
Injury to Athletic Club keeper Unai Simon, who is Spain's undoubted first choice, has opened the door for Chelsea's Kepa Arrizabalaga to return to the squad after a good season in England.
Osasuna central defender David Garcia makes his debut, while Real Madrid's adaptable Nacho Fernandez returns, Tottenham right back Pedro Porro gets the chance to add to the single cap he has to his name and Jose Luis Gaya is back after an ankle injury forced him out days before the start of the World Cup.
Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi makes his debut in midfield and there is a recall for his team-mate Mikel Merino and Real Madrid's Dani Ceballos.
Spain struggled to convert possession into chances in Qatar and De la Fuente's solution is to give a debut to Espanyol striker Joselu, who has 12 goals this campaign and also hand a recall to Celta Vigo's mercurial veteran Iago Aspas, while winger Bryan Gil also returns to the squad.
Spain will entertain Norway on March 25th, before traveling to Scotland three days later for qualifying matches for the 2024 European Championships.
There has been intense interest over the squad since De la Fuente replaced Enrique in December after Spain's disappointment in the World Cup.
Get a daily dose of Arab Herald news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Arab Herald.
More InformationNew Delhi [India], March 24 (ANI): The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday reiterated that it will take all necessary ...
The Pentagon has said Iran-affiliated groups were targeted, while local sources claim civilian infrastructure was hitAmerican forces have carried out ...
Muzzafarabad [PoK], March 24 (ANI): Pakistan has been known for its perennial support to the Taliban in Afghanistan and other ...
As the Russian invasion of Ukraine drags on, locals in the autonomous Gagauzia region of Moldova oppose war but maintain ...
Geneva, Switzerland - China attempted on Thursday to block a prominent Uyghur activist from speaking at the United Nations Human ...
New Delhi [India], March 24 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings as the month of Ramzan Ramzan began on ...
Kiev's forces will be in better shape they were a year ago, Dan Rice predictsThe Ukrainian military is poised to ...
The Pentagon has said Iran-affiliated groups were targeted, while local sources claim civilian infrastructure was hitAmerican forces have carried out ...
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday vowed to "mend the rift" in a nation deeply divided over his proposed ...
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], March 24 (ANI): Aditya Roy Kapoor's dating rumours with Ananya Panday have been doing the rounds on ...
Kabul [Afghanistan], March 24 (ANI): US President Joe Biden has said that Washington stands with women in Iran and Afghanistan ...
© Provided by Xinhua CAIRO, March 23 (Xinhua) -- U.S. military invasion of Iraq 20 years ago was largely framed ...