UEFA Nations League

Barcelona full-back Jordi Alba omitted from Spain squad

By Giuseppe Labellarte, Reporter | 31 August 2018

Barcelona left-back Jordi Alba is absent from Luis Enrique's first Spain squad ahead of the UEFA Nations League fixtures against England and Croatia.

Barcelona left-back Jordi Alba has been dropped from Spain's squad ahead of the UEFA Nations League fixtures against England and Croatia.

The 29-year-old, who has 66 international caps, joins Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke and Celta Vigo striker Iago Aspas in missing out on Luis Enrique's first 24-man squad.

Andres Iniesta, David Silva and Gerard Pique have all retired from Spain duty after this summer's World Cup last-16 exit under Fernando Hierro.

Chelsea quartet Marcos Alonso, Alvaro Morata, Cesar Azpilicueta and Kepa Arrizabalaga have been selected, with Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea the only other England-based player included.

Real Betis goalkeeper Pau Lopez, Valencia full-back Jose Gaya and Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos are uncapped and in contention for their international debuts.

England face Spain at Wembley in Group A4 of the new tournament on Saturday, September 8.

Spain squad in full:

Goalkeepers: David de Gea (Manchester United), Kepa Arrizabalaga (Chelsea), Pau Lopez (Betis)

Defenders: Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Nacho (Real Madrid), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Diego Llorente (Real Sociedad), Inigo Martinez (Athletic Bilbao), Jose Gaya (Valencia), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Marcos Alonso (Chelsea), Raul Albiol (Napoli)

Midfielders: Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Sergi Roberto (Barcelona), Rodrigo (Atletico Madrid), Saul Niguez (Atletico Madrid), Dani Ceballos (Real Madrid), Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich)

Forwards: Isco (Real Madrid), Marco Asensio (Real Madrid), Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid), Rodrigo Moreno (Valencia), Alvaro Morata (Chelsea), Suso (AC Milan)