LiverpoolThiago is the missing midfielder Spain’s squad for Nations League games against Switzerland Portugal.
Thiago featured in Liverpool’s Champions LeagueMidweek win over Ajax, but it was only his third start of this season due to recent hamstring problems.
The 31-year-old withdrew from June’s Nations League games due to injury and manager Luis Enrique has left him out of his latest 25-man squad — his final selection before naming his World Cup picks.
While Thiago has been a bit-part player recently for his country, the news will come as a boost to Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp as he looks to prepare his side for nine games — including Premier LeagueShowdowns against Manchester City Arsenal — in October.
BarcelonaAnsu Fati, the forward, was also not included, along with Sergio Ramos, the former captain, despite him returning from a long injury break.
Announcing his choice of players while cycling in hills near Madrid, Luis Enrique provided some surprises, handing first call-ups to Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, and Real Betis striker Borja Iglesias, who has scored four goals in five Spanish league games this term.
Williams’ older brother and Bilbao team-mate, Inaki, will play for Ghana at the World Cup after switching allegiance from Spain to the country of his parents, but the winger has accepted Spain’s call.
Marco Asensio, despite having very little playing time, has been added to the squad Real MadridLuis Enrique listed Hugo Guillamon as a defender while Valencia’s holding midfielder was in Valencia.
Spain leads League A Group 2 by one point. They host Switzerland in Zaragoza, September 24, and then play Portugal in Braga three day later.
Spain squad in full
Goalkeepers: Unai Simon, Robert Sánchez, David Raya
Defenders: Dani Carvajal, Eric García, Jordi Alba, Cesar Azpilicueta, Diego Llorente, Pau Torres, Jose Gava, Hugo Guillamon
Midfielders: Rodri, Sergio Busquets, Koke, Gavi, Carlos Soler, Pedri, Marcos Llorente
Forwards: Alvaro Morata, Borja Iglesias, Ferran Torres, Pablo Sarabia, Nico Williams, Marcos Asensio, Yeremy Pino
(Photo by Getty Images).
