Del Bosque Freshens up Spain Squad for Belarus and Germany
Spain coach Vicente del Bosque on Friday unveiled his 23-man squad for a Euro 2016 qualifier against Belarus on November 15 in Huelva on Sunday and a friendly against Germany three days later in Vigo.
The veteran coach produced a surprise when he handed call-ups to untested Napoli striker Jose Callejon, Nolito of Celta Vigo, Real Madrid midfielder Isco and Juventus forward Alvaro Morata.
His decisions were influenced by injuries to key players Andreas Iniesta, David Silva and Dani Carvajal while Chelsea striker Diego Costa was handed some time off as he looks to get back to full fitness from a groin problem.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho had said earlier this month that his top scoring striker had been overused by Spain which aggravated his original injury.
Callejon has jumped to the top of the Serie A goal scoring charts with eight goals for Napoli while Nolito has put away five for Celta Vigo.
Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos returns to international duty as the two-time European champions feature six new names in their squad.
Spain are currently second in Group C behind Slovakia and need maximum points in Huelva against Belarus on Sunday to keep their qualification bid on track.
The three-time European champions then face Germany in a prestige friendly three days later in Vigo
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), David de Gea (Manchester United/ENG), Kiko Casilla (Espanyol)
Defenders: Juanfran (Atletico Madrid), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea/ENG), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Gerard Piqué (FC Barcelona), Raul Albiol (Napoli/ITA), Marc Bartra (FC Barcelona), Jordi Alba (FC Barcelona), Juan Bernat (Bayern Munich/GER).
Midfielders: Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Ignacio Camacho (Malaga), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal/ENG), Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea/ENG), Raul Garcia (Atletico Madrid), Isco (Real Madrid).
Strikers: Jose Callejon (Naples/ITA), Nolito (Celta Vigo), Alvaro Morata (Juventus/ITA), Paco Alcacer (Valence), Pedro Rodriguez (FC Barcelona)
