Veteran David Villa dropped from Spain squad following unlikely comeback
Veteran forward David Villa was dropped on Friday from coach Julen Lopetegui's Spain squad to face Albania and Israel in World Cup qualifiers next month.
The 35-year-old made an unlikely return for La Roja in a 3-0 win over Italy earlier in September when he earned his first cap since the 2014 World Cup
But on Friday, Lopetegui said that Villa, who is two caps short of reaching a century, needed more time to recover from an injury suffered during the last international get-together and would likely be lacking match fitness.
In Villa's place Lopetegui called up Jose Callejon, who has scored four goals for Napoli this season, and Rodrigo Moreno, who has hit the net three times for Valencia. They have respectively just three and one caps.
"They're in great form and we think they can help us," said Lopetegui.
Another returnee is Real Sociedad's defensive midfielder Asier Illarramendi.
Meanwhile, Lopetegui sprang to the defence of Barcelona centre-back Gerard Pique, often jeered by Spain fans due to his open stance in favour of a referendum on Catalan independence.
"I only judge players by their behaviour, application and attitude, and I have absolutely no doubts when it comes to Gerard," he said.
"He's always given heart and soul for Spain."
On Thursday, Pique called on people to vote peacefully in the plebiscite deemed illegal by Spain's constitutional court:
"From today until Sunday we will express ourselves peacefully. Don't give them any excuses. It's what they want. And we will sing loudly and clearly. #Wewillvote."
Des d'avui i fins diumenge, expressem-nos pacíficament. No els hi donem cap excusa. És el que volen. I cantem ben alt i ben fort. #Votarem
— Gerard Piqué (@3gerardpique) September 28, 2017
The 2010 world champions realistically need only one win from their final two qualifying matches to book their ticket to Russia as they hold a three-point advantage over second placed Italy, but with a goal difference that is 17 better.
They play Albania on October 6 and then away to Israel three days later.
Spain Squad
Goalkeepers (3): David De Gea (Manchester United/ENG), Pepe Reina (Napoli/ITA), Kepa Arrizabalaga (Athletic Club).
Defenders (8): Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Nacho Fernandez (Real Madrid), César Azpilicueta (Chelsea/ENG), Gerard Piqué (Barcelona), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Marc Bartra (Borussia Dortmund/GER), Nacho Monreal (Arsenal/ENG).
Midfielders (9): Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Andrés Iniesta (Barcelona), Asier Illarramendi (Real Sociedad), Koke Resurreccion (Atlético Madrid), Saul Niguez (Atlético Madrid), Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich/GER), Marco Asensio
(Real Madrid), Isco (Real Madrid), David Silva (Manchester City/ENG).
Forwards (5): Pedro Rodriguez (Chelsea/ENG), Alvaro Morata (Chelsea/ENG), Iago Aspas (Celta Vigo), José Callejon (Napoli/ITA), Rodrigo Moreno (Valencia).
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The 35-year-old made an unlikely return for La Roja in a 3-0 win over Italy earlier in September when he earned his first cap since the 2014 World Cup
But on Friday, Lopetegui said that Villa, who is two caps short of reaching a century, needed more time to recover from an injury suffered during the last international get-together and would likely be lacking match fitness.
In Villa's place Lopetegui called up Jose Callejon, who has scored four goals for Napoli this season, and Rodrigo Moreno, who has hit the net three times for Valencia. They have respectively just three and one caps.
"They're in great form and we think they can help us," said Lopetegui.
Another returnee is Real Sociedad's defensive midfielder Asier Illarramendi.
Meanwhile, Lopetegui sprang to the defence of Barcelona centre-back Gerard Pique, often jeered by Spain fans due to his open stance in favour of a referendum on Catalan independence.
"I only judge players by their behaviour, application and attitude, and I have absolutely no doubts when it comes to Gerard," he said.
"He's always given heart and soul for Spain."
On Thursday, Pique called on people to vote peacefully in the plebiscite deemed illegal by Spain's constitutional court:
"From today until Sunday we will express ourselves peacefully. Don't give them any excuses. It's what they want. And we will sing loudly and clearly. #Wewillvote."
Des d'avui i fins diumenge, expressem-nos pacíficament. No els hi donem cap excusa. És el que volen. I cantem ben alt i ben fort. #Votarem
— Gerard Piqué (@3gerardpique) September 28, 2017
The 2010 world champions realistically need only one win from their final two qualifying matches to book their ticket to Russia as they hold a three-point advantage over second placed Italy, but with a goal difference that is 17 better.
They play Albania on October 6 and then away to Israel three days later.
Spain Squad
Goalkeepers (3): David De Gea (Manchester United/ENG), Pepe Reina (Napoli/ITA), Kepa Arrizabalaga (Athletic Club).
Defenders (8): Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Nacho Fernandez (Real Madrid), César Azpilicueta (Chelsea/ENG), Gerard Piqué (Barcelona), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Marc Bartra (Borussia Dortmund/GER), Nacho Monreal (Arsenal/ENG).
Midfielders (9): Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Andrés Iniesta (Barcelona), Asier Illarramendi (Real Sociedad), Koke Resurreccion (Atlético Madrid), Saul Niguez (Atlético Madrid), Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich/GER), Marco Asensio
(Real Madrid), Isco (Real Madrid), David Silva (Manchester City/ENG).
Forwards (5): Pedro Rodriguez (Chelsea/ENG), Alvaro Morata (Chelsea/ENG), Iago Aspas (Celta Vigo), José Callejon (Napoli/ITA), Rodrigo Moreno (Valencia).
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