Luis de la Fuente announces first Spain squad ahead of Euro 2024 qualifiers | OneFootball

New Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has announced his first squad following his appointment months ago.

La Roja face Norway in Group A on Saturday, March 25, before facing Scotland on Tuesday, March 28, in their 2024 European Championship qualifiers.

Kepa Arrizabalaga received a call-up after regaining his spot at Chelsea under coach Graham Potter. The 28-year-old has ousted Edouard Mendy.

Arrizabalaga has not played for Spain since he started their 0-0 draw against Portugal in October 2020. The world’s most expensive goalkeeper has had to bide his time.

Arrizbalaga has played for Chelsea 26 times this season. He has become an integral part of their squad following the departure of former coach Thomas Tuchel who preferred Mendy.

Real Madrid stars Nacho Fernandez, Dani Ceballos, and Dani Carvajal made the 26-man squad.

However, Marco Asensio, who followed Spain to Qatar for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, is not on the team.

The 33-year-old Fernandez has been in remarkable form for Los Blancos this season. He has played as a left-back, centre-back, and right-back, helping his boyhood club in any way he can. Real Madrid’s Mr dependable receives a call-up for his performances.

David Garcia, Martin Zubimendi, and Joselu got their first-ever call-ups. Former Liverpool, now Celta Vigo forward Iago Aspas, is also in the team.

Brighton & Hove Albion keeper Robert Sanchez gets a call-up, despite losing his starting berth at the club. Brentford keeper David Raya is on the team sheet.

Barcelona midfielder Pedri only just returned from an injury lay-off. He is in the squad for their El Clasico tie this Sunday, and they consider him fit enough to make the international team.

Midfield partner Gavi is unsurprisingly in the squad. The pair will likely be the technical leaders of the side through the middle.

Long-time stalwarts Sergio Busquets and Sergio Ramos recently retired from international football. It is unclear who will take the captain’s armband. It is one of the decisions De la Fuente has to make.

Spain full squad

Goalkeepers: Kepa Arrizabalaga, Robert Sanchez, David Raya.

Defenders: Jose Gaya, Alejandro Balde, Aymeric Laporte, Inigo Martinez, Nacho Fernandez, David Garcia, Pedro Porro, Dani Carvajal.

Midfielders: Rodri, Martin Zubimendi, Gavi, Fabian Ruiz, Mikel Merino, Dani Ceballos, Pedri

Forwards: Alvaro Morata, Dani Olmo, Nico Williams, Bryan Gil, Mikel Oyarzabal, Iago Aspas, Joselu, Gerard Moreno.