Spain turn to new boys Mingueza, Pepelu for Nations League

European champions Spain will begin the defence of their Nations League title without injured captain Alvaro Morata but with two newcomers, Celta Vigo right-back Oscar Mingueza and Valencia midfielder Pepelu. 

Coach Luis de la Fuente included 19 of the players who won the Euros in Germany, including Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal, in the 25-man squad he named on Friday for the first two games against Serbia on September 5 and Switzerland three days later. 

Apart from Morata, the absentees include the veteran Jesus Navas, who has confirmed his international retirement at the age of 38, the injured pair of goalkeeper Unai Simon, recovering from wrist surgery, and new Arsenal signing Mikel Merino as well as central defender Nacho Fernandez. 

De la Fuente has also brought in Villarreal’s Yeremy Pino and the England-based pair of Robert Sanchez and Pau Torres. 

“We’re continuing to give continuity to the squad we’ve had since the Euro, incorporating other players who have started the season very well, who we already know, but who we wanted to have with us to see how they adapt at international level for the future,” said De la Fuente. 

Squad:

Goalkeepers: David Raya (Arsenal/ENG), Alex Remiro (Real Sociedad), Robert Sanchez (Chelsea/ENG).

Defenders: Oscar Mingueza (Celta Vigo), Pau Torres (Aston Villa/ENG), Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Robin Le Normand (Atletico Madrid), Dani Vivian (Athletic Bilbao), Aymeric Laporte (Al Nassr/KSA), Marc Cucurella (Chelsea/ENG), Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen/GER).

Midfielders: Rodri (Manchester City/ENG), Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad), Fabian Ruiz (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Pepelu (Valencia), Aleix Garcia (Bayer Leverkusen/GER), Dani Olmo (Barcelona), Pedri (Barcelona).

Forwards: Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Ferran Torres (Barcelona), Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Yeremy Pino (Villarreal), Ayoze Perez (Real Betis), Joselu (Al Gharafa/QAT), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad).