Iker Casillas and Cesc Fabregas overlooked by new Spain boss

26 August 2016 11:23

New Spain coach Julen Lopetigui has named his first squad and has left out goalkeeper Iker Casillas and Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas.

Casillas, who has a record 167 caps for his country, was unseated as number one by David de Gea at Euro 2016 and could now find his international career at an end.

Lopetigu, who replaced Vincente del Bosque, has named De Gea, Pepe Reina and West Ham's Adrian as his three keepers for the friendly against Belgium and World Cup qualifiers with Liechtenstein.

Lopetegui is adamant the door is still open to Casillas, though, saying: "I understood I had to speak with him. I was very honest with him. He still very close to us.

"It will be a pleasure to work with the goalkeepers.

"There is no kind of interference with my list. My only interest is the national team.

"All the players who have been called up have been analysed live.

"I have spoken with Del Bosque. We are neighbours and friends and have talked about everything."

Chelsea midfielder Fabregas is another notable omission, but team-mate Diego Costa returns after a flying start to the season.

Manchester United's Juan Mata and Bayern Munich's Javi Martinez also return after missing Euro 2016.

Source: PA