Illarramendi, Rodrigo, Callejón, called up to Spain squad by Lopetegui
Spain national team coach Julen Lopetegui has called up two players for the first time since 2014, while David Villa is among those who drop out.
Julen Lopetegui has announced the Spain national team squad for the two upcoming 2018 World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Israel. La Roja will face Albania on Friday October 6 in Alicante, before travelling to Jerusalem to face Israel on Monday October 9.
Illara in, Vitolo and Villa out
Asier Illaramendi returns to the squad following a fine start to the season with Real Sociedad. The 27-year-old midfielder made his Spain debut in the friendly match against Colombia in Murcia in June. Against Albania, Illaramendi may take the place in the team that Sergio Busquets usually occupies. The Barcelona string-puller is suspended for the match in Alicante.
José Callejón of Napoli and Rodrigo Moreno of Valencia both return to the Spain set-up for the first time since 2014.
Suso, Vitolo, and David Villa drop out of the previous squad.
Spain national team squad for matches against Albania and Israel
Goalkeepers
Kepa (Athletic)
De Gea (Manchester United)
Reina (Nápoles)
Defenders
Azpilicueta (Chelsea)
Carvajal (Real Madrid)
Nacho (Real Madrid)
Piqué (Barcelona)
Ramos (Real Madrid)
Bartra (Borussia Dortmund)
Monreal (Arsenal)
Jordi Alba (Barcelona)
Midfielders
Saúl (Atlético)
Busquets (Barcelona)
Illarramendi (Real Sociedad)
Koke (Atlético)
Iniesta (Barcelona)
Thiago (Bayern)
Isco (Real Madrid)
Marco Asensio (Real Madrid)
Forwards
Pedro (Chelsea)
Callejón (Nápoles)
Silva (Manchester City)
Morata (Chelsea)
Iago Aspas (Celta)
Rodrigo Moreno (Valencia)
