Former Spain Under-21 and Under-19 coach Lopetegui also omitted Pedro and Cesc Fabregas from the squad for Spain’s friendly against Belgium on September 1 and their first World Cup qualifier against Liechtenstein four days later.
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Andres Iniesta has been left out as he continues his recovery from a knee injury, while Isco was omitted at the last moment after taking a knock in training, Lopetegui has said. “But in no case does this close the door for Iker”.
Marc Wilmots may have been one of the more successful Belgium national team head coaches ever, certainly in terms of winning percentages, but given the amount of talent available to him, the quarter-final finishes in both World Cup 2014 and Euro 2016 were largely looked at as disappointments. “We will take into account his form and performances”.
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.
“All the players who have been called up have been analysed live”.
Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea, West Ham counterpart Adrian, Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta and Manchester City pair David Silva and Nolito join Costa and Mata in the squad.
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Chelsea midfielder Fabregas is another notable omission, but team-mate Diego Costa returns after a flying start to the season. “He’s had a good pre-season and a good start to the campaign. He’s a player I like and we believed he should be in the squad with us”.
On Asensio, Lopetegui said.
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“Diego fits in perfectly with what we want”. Diego has convinced us, he had a good preseason and had a positive presence in the two games he’s played [in the Premier League]. “He has quality, youth, he is a very interesting player”. He is showing a lot of maturity. “It’s clear that he’s special and we should treat him in a special way”.
