MADRID, May 19 -- Spain coach Julen Lopetegui has included Real Madrid youngster Marco Asensio in his 25-man squad for the forthcoming international matches, which are a friendly against Colombia and a potentially tricky World Cup qualifying tie away to Macedonia.
There are few changes from Loptegui's last squad from March, although Ander Herrera, who was this week named as Manchester United's best player of the season, can probably count himself unlucky to miss out on the squad.
Lopetegui commented that he will not call on Asensio or the other Real Madrid players in the squad (Fernandez, Dani Carvajal, Isco and Alvaro Morata) for the Colombia game, given that Real Madrid play the Champions League final in Cardiff on June 3rd, but said he would call on players included in the Under-21 squad to complete his training sessions if needed.
The squad also sees him retain Athletic Club Bilbao's impressive young goalkeeper, Kepa Arrizabalaga ahead of Sevilla's Sergio Rico, while Asier Illaramendi is also in line for a debut after pulling out of the last squad through injury.
Full squad:
Goalkeepers: David De Gea, Pepe Reina, Kepa.
Defenders: Dani Carvajal, Sergi Roberto, Gerard Pique, Sergio Ramos, Nacho Fernandez, Cesar Azpilicueta, Nacho Monreal, Jordi Alba.
Midfield: Sergio Busquets, Asier Illarramendi, Koke, Thiago Alcantara, Andres Iniesta, Isco, David Silva.
Forwards: Marco Asensio, Pedro Rodriguez, Vitolo, Gerard Deulofeu, Diego Costa, Iago Aspas, Alvaro Morata.