Navas gets Spain call-up

Sevilla winger Jesus Navas has been included in Spain’s senior squad for the first time, as Liverpool striker FernandoTorres is omitted from the squad due to injury concern.

The 23-year-old has been called up by Vicente del Bosque for Saturday’s friendly against Argentina and a midweek date with Austria four days later.

But there is no place in the 23-man squad for Torres.

The Reds ace has been struggling with a groin problem in recent weeks, which may yet require surgery.

As a result, it has been decided to offer him a well-earned rest during the upcoming international break.

“We have spoken with Fernando and Rafa Benitez and we reached the decision it was best not to force him,” said Del Bosque.

On Navas, the former Real Madrid boss added: “The last coach (Luis Aragones) considered using him, but it was his personal circumstances (homesickness) that prevented it from happening,”

“We’ve gone through the necessary steps and we think he is in the right conditions to come with us now, also considering the type of games we are facing.”

Spain squad to face Argentina at Vicente Calderon on 14th November and Austria in Vienna on 18th November:

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Jose Manuel Reina (Liverpool), Diego Lopez (Villarreal).

Defenders: Raul Albiol (Real Madrid), Joan Capdevila (Villarreal), Alvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Andoni Iraola (Athletic), Carlos Marchena (Valencia), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Carles Puyol (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)

Midfielders: Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal), Xavi Hernandez (Barcelona), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona)

Forwards: Dani Guiza (Fenerbahce), Pablo Hernandez (Valencia), Juan Manuel Mata (Valencia), Jesus Navas (Sevilla), David Silva (Valencia), Alvaro Negredo (Sevilla), David Villa (Valencia)