Andres Iniesta back in the Spain squad for World Cup qualifiers

30 September 2016 11:12

Andres Iniesta has received his first call-up since Euro 2016 as Spain plot revenge over Italy in next month's World Cup qualifying encounter.

The 32-year-old midfielder played 90 minutes as the then reigning European champions lost 2-0 to Italy in June and, after missing Spain's recent meetings with Belgium and Liechtenstein due to injury, Iniesta will get his chance to try and make amends when La Roja tackle the Azzurri in Turin on October 6.

Next up for the Spain squad, which also includes Napoli forward Jose Callejon, who earned his two caps in November 2014, is a Group G clash with Albania.

Head coach Julen Lopetegui said of Callejon, who has scored five goals already this season: "He was about to come last time. We have decided he can come and help us in attack this time.

"They are two tough games, but we cannot change that. We have to give our all, we should not settle for a draw or anything like that, we look to do things properly. We have to take the maximum amount of ambition into each match."

Chelsea's Diego Costa and Nolito of Manchester City were named in a selection published on the Spanish federation's official website on Friday, while Cesc Fabregas misses out. France beat Lopetegui to the punch by summoning Spanish-based defender Aymeric Laporte for games against Bulgaria and Holland.

Spain squad to face Italy and Albania: Jose Reina (Napoli), David De Gea (Manchester United), Sergio Rico (Sevilla), Nacho (Real Madrid), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Javi Martinez (Bayern Munich), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Saul Niguez (Atletico Madrid), Sergi Roberto (Barcelona), Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), David Silva (Manchester City), Nolito (Manchester City), Lucas Vazquez (Real Madrid), Diego Costa (Chelsea), Alvaro Morata (Real Madrid), Vitolo (Sevilla), Jose Callejon (Napoli), Isco (Real Madrid).

Source: PA-WIRE