Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has made many changes to his 23-man squad for the Final Four of the Nations League.
Although some of the changes were forced by injuries to players, such as Pedri, Alejandro Balde and Inigo Martinez, others are surprising.
Luis de la Fuente has dropped Robert Sanchez, Jose Luis Gaya, Alejandro Balde, Inigo Martinez, Nacho Fernandez, Pedro Porro, Dani Ceballos, Bryan Gil, Mikel Oyarzabal, Iago Aspas and Gerard Moreno from his previous squad.
Meanwhile, he has given a first call-up to Real Sociedad’s French-born central defender, Robin le Normand, who was recently of Spanish nationality.
He has also given recalls to veteran midfielder Sergio Canales and Sevilla’s 37-year-old right back, Jesus Navas, along with Leeds United forward Roberto Moreno, while goalkeeper Unai Simon is back after missing out in March through injury.
Paris Saint German’s left-back Juan Bernat also returns to the squad after a lengthy absence.
With Manchester City’s Aymeric Laporte also included, Le Normand’s call-up means there is a genuine prospect of Spain kicking off their Nations League semifinal against Italy on June 15th with two French-born players.
Although he has only been in charge for two games since replacing Luis Enrique following Spain’s exit from last year’s World Cup, De la Fuente is rumored to already be under pressure after a 3-0 win at home to Norway was followed by a 2-0 defeat in Scotland in his second game in charge.
Full squad:
Goalkeepers: Unai Simon, Kepa Arrizabalaga, David Raya.
Defenders: Dani Carvajal, Jesus Navas, Aymeric Laporte, David Garcia, Robin Le Normand, Jordi Alba, Juan Bernat.
Midfielders: Rodrigo Hernandez, Martin Zubimendi, Fabian Ruiz, Mikel Merino, Gavi, Sergio Canales.
Forwards: Alvaro Morata, Joselu, Rodrigo Moreno, Marco Asensio, Nico Williams, Dani Olmo, Yeremy Pino.