Luis Enrique tasted defeat for the first time as Spain manager in October, losing to England, 3-2, and has made a few changes to his squad for the upcoming Nations League match against Croatia as well as the friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
One of the players left off the team this time around is Chelsea left back Marcos Alonso, who had started 2 of the 4 matches Lucho has been in charge of since taking over after Spain’s disastrous World Cup. Instead, the likes of Jonny Otto, Jose Luis Gaya, and the returning Jordi Alba get the call.
For those more interested in whether Spain will beat Croatia & thereby end England's chances of making Nations League finals. Jordi Alba finally selected. Marcos Alonso dropped, no Koke or Diego Costa (injuries), plenty of new faces...
— Kieran Canning (@KieranCanning) November 8, 2018
Three of Alonso’s Chelsea teammates made the cut, including Kepa Arrizabalaga (who doesn’t get to play often with David De Gea ahead of him), César Azpilicueta (who doesn’t actually get to play very often for some more obscure reason), and Álvaro Morata (who doesn’t always get called up due to his inconsistent form).
Still no Pedro or Cesc Fàbregas. Their Spain careers are probably firmly in the rear-view now.
Here’s the full squad for the November international break:
GOALKEEPERS: David De Gea (Man Utd), Kepa Arrizabalaga (Chelsea), Pau López (Betis)
DEFENDERS: Jonny Otto (Wolves), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Diego Llorente (Real Sociedad), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Mario Hermoso (Espanyol), Inigo Martínez (Athletic Bilbao), Jose Luis Gaya (Valencia), Jordi Alba (Barcelona)
MIDFIELDERS: Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Pablo Fornals (Villarreal), Brais Mendez (Celta Vigo), Sergi Roberto (Barcelona), Saul Niguez (Atletico), Dani Ceballos (Real Madrid), Isco (Real Madrid), Rodri (Atletico)
FORWARDS: Suso (AC Milan), Rodrigo (Valencia), Iago Aspas (Celta Vigo), Alvaro Morata (Chelsea), Marco Asensio (Real Madrid)
I guess Alonso can rest his weary bones some more at least, like he is doing for Chelsea’s match today.
IT'S OUT!! @LUISENRIQUE21 unveils 24-man call-up for games against Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina#UnaNuevaIlusión
— Selección Española de Fútbol (@SeFutbol) November 8, 2018
https://t.co/E9xauYaCO4 pic.twitter.com/jVwgWSjkVO