Chelsea quartet called up for Spain national team duty

The Spanish national team's renewal, after an early exit from the World Cup in the summer, continues under Luís Enrique.

Although this renewal does not necessarily mean adding as much fresh blood or as many young players as one mighy imagine, there are still marked differences from the selection that made it to the World Cup and the latest group called up by their new coach. Luis Enrique may have played and coached at Barcelona, but so far, he's managed to look beyond just the two big teams to craft his squads.

That is partly why four Chelsea players, goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, striker Álvaro Morata and defenders César Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso, were called up again, just like last month. Pedro and Fàbregas miss out once again.

The full squad to play against England (Nations League) and Wales (friendly) is as follows:

GOALKEEPERS: David de Gea (Manchester United), Kepa Arrizabalaga (Chelsea FC), Pau López (Real Betis Balompié);

DEFENDERS: César Azpilicueta (Chelsea FC), Raúl Albiol (Nápoles), Nacho Fernández (Real Madrid CF), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid CF), Marcos Alonso (Chelsea FC), José Luis Gayá (Valencia CF), Marc Bartra (Real Betis Balompié), Jonathan Castro (Wolverhampton Wanderers FC);

MIDFIELDERS: Sergio Busquets (FC Barcelona), Saúl Ñíguez (Club Atlético de Madrid), Koke Resurrección (Club Atlético de Madrid), Thiago Alcántara (Bayern Munich), Dani Ceballos (Real Madrid CF), Rodri Hernández (Club Atlético de Madrid);

FORWARDS: Marco Asensio (Real Madrid CF), Álvaro Morata (Chelsea FC), Suso Fernández (AC Milan), Rodrigo Moreno (Valencia CF), Paco Alcácer (Borussia Dortmund), Iago Aspas (RC Celta de Vigo).

Notable absentees include Real Madrid players Isco and Daniel Carvajal, both of whom are injured. Their spots were filled by Wolverhampton fullback Jonathan Castro and Borussia Dortmund striker Paco Alcácer. Former Chelsea striker Diego Costa was overlooked and looks to have his work cut out for him if he wants to be back in.