Barca's Gavi left out of Spain squad, Real's Asencio gets first call-up

Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio has earned his first call-up from Spain manager Luis de la Fuente on Friday for their two-leg Nations League quarter-final against the Netherlands.

The 22-year-old Real Madrid academy product has made 14 LaLiga and eight Champions League appearances this season.

"Raul was having a fantastic season. He had been in lower divisions, but some players speed up their development," De La Fuente said.

"I am always in favour of giving opportunities to young people."

Barcelona defender Inigo Martinez was included after being left out of Spain's Euro 2024 winning squad. However, Barca midfielder Gavi, who helped Spain in their 2023 Nations League win, was missing from the squad.

The 20-year-old Gavi was expected to return to the national team after a 14-month absence due to an ACL injury. De La Fuente said he regretted the absence of many talented players but added that this was the best possible squad he could select.

"There are many good players who could be on this list. It’s a reflection of the high level of Spanish football. Unfortunately, some are not included, but others are," the manager said.

"We have formed a super national team and this is the best list that can be made right now in my opinion. We are the reigning European and Nations League champions, and making this squad is not easy."

Forward Marco Asensio, who has regained form scoring seven goals from eight appearances since joining Aston Villa on loan from Paris St Germain in the mid-season transfer window, was also left out.

Spain face Ronald Koeman's Netherlands away on Thursday before returning home for the second-leg in Valencia on March 23.

"Of all the games we've coached, this is the first time we've played a double-header, I love playing the second game at home. I think it will not be decided until we come to Mestalla (stadium in Valencia)," De La Fuente said.

"We are facing one of the best teams in Europe. It will require us to be at the same level we were at the European Championship."

Spain Squad

Goalkeepers: David Raya (Arsenal), Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao), Alex Remiro (Real Sociedad).

Defenders: Pedro Porro (Tottenham Hotspur), Oscar Mingueza (Celta Vigo), Robin Le Normand (Atletico Madrid), Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona), Inigo Martinez (Barcelona), Raul Asencio (Real Madrid), Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen), Marc Cucurella (Chelsea).

Midfielders: Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad), Marc Casado (Barcelona), Fabian Ruiz (Paris St-Germain), Mikel Merino (Arsenal), Alex Baena (Villarreal), Pedri (Barcelona).

Forwards: Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Nico Williams (Bilbao), Ferran Torres (Barcelona), Yeremy Pino (Villarreal), Dani Olmo (Barcelona), Ayoze Perez (Villarreal ), Alvaro Morata (Galatasaray), Bryan Zaragoza (Osasuna), Samuel Aghehowa (Porto), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad).