Watch FIFA World Cup 2026™

LIVE, FREE and EXCLUSIVE

Veteran Aduriz and Mata back in Spain squad

MADRID (Reuters) - Prolific Athletic Bilbao striker Aritz Aduriz has been named in the Spain squad for this month's home World Cup qualifier against Macedonia and the friendly against England at Wembley.

Veteran Aduriz and Mata back in Spain squad
(Reuters)

The 35-year-old scored all his team's goals in their 5-3 home win over Genk in Thursday's Europa League group game.

"I had already made up my mind about Aduriz before yesterday's milestone," Spain coach Julen Lopetegui told a news conference on Friday.

"He is doing very well and he can help us."

Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata was also recalled after being omitted from last month's World Cup qualifiers against Italy and Albania.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Chelsea forward Diego Costa was one of eight Premier League players included in Lopetegui's 25-man squad.

There was again no room for Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas, who has not featured for his country since Euro 2016.

With defenders Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba injured, Fabregas's club team mate Cesar Azpilicueta was included after being dropped from last month's qualifiers.

"Azpilicueta has that versatility where he can play in different positions and that is why he has made the squad," Lopetegui said.

Lopetegui is also without Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta, who is sidelined with a knee injury.

Spain are unbeaten in their World Cup qualifying campaign and are level on seven points with Italy but they top Group G on goal difference.

Spain host Macedonia in Granada on Nov. 12 and face England three days later.

(Reporting by Adriana Garcia, editing by Ed Osmond)


2 min read

Published

Source: Reuters



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world