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Uncapped players Jose Callejon, Ignacio Camacho, Nolito and Alvaro Morata are in the Spain squad announced yesterday by manager Vicente del Bosque for upcoming matches against Belarus and Germany. |
Callejon and Morata are catching the eye in Italy, for Napoli and Juventus respectively, while Nolito and Camacho are doing well in La Liga for Celta Vigo and Malaga.
“We need skilful players who can open up the field and score goals.
These players are all in good form,” Del Bosque said.
Also included is midfielder Isco, who is in excellent form for Real Madrid.
Missing from the squad are injury victims Dani Carvajal, Andres Iniesta, Diego Costa and David Silva.
Regarding Costa, Del Bosque said: “We have taken this decision (to omit him) after consulting with the Chelsea doctors about his groin strain, regardless of whether he plays for Chelsea or not in these weeks.”
When asked why he had picked Pique when the defender is now a reserve at Barcelona, Del Bosque replied: “We have a high regard for him and we are counting on him. He has shown time and again he wants to play for Spain.”
Pique has publicly supported the campaign in Catalonia for a referendum about separating from Spain, which is scheduled to take place - despite having being declared illegal by the Madrid government - tomorrow.
Del Bosque has also stood by winger Pedro, who is almost as little playing time at Barca as Pique.
“There is no reason to marginalise them from the national team,” he said. “If they are not playing often for Barca then better for us - they will come to us fresh and keen.”
Spain, who are second behind Slovakia in Euro 2016 qualifying Group C, will face Belarus in Huelva on November 15. Four days later, they will host world champions Germany in Vigo.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), David de Gea (Manchester United), Kiko Casilla (Espanyol)
Defenders: Juanfran (Atletico Madrid), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Marc Bartra (Barcelona), Juan Bernat (Bayern Munich), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Raul Albiol (Napoli), Gerard Pique (Barcelona)
Midfielders: Jose Callejon (Napoli), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Isco (Real Madrid), Pedro (Barcelona), Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal), Ignacio Camacho (Malaga), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Raul Garcia (Atletico Madrid)
Forwards: Alvaro Morata (Juventus), Paco Alcacer (Valencia), Nolito (Celta Vigo).
