Navas selected for Spain duty
Reuters - Monday 09 November 2009, 12:56
MADRID - Spain coach Vicente del Bosque
called up Sevilla winger Jesus Navas for the first time on
Monday, part of a 23-man squad for this month's friendlies
against Argentina and Austria, and omitted injured Liverpool striker Fernando Torres.
The 23-year-old Navas has long been considered a likely
candidate for the national team but has been overlooked in the
past because he has been susceptible to anxiety attacks on
extended trips away from home.
"The last coach (Luis Aragones) considered using him, but it
was his personal circumstances that prevented it from
happening," Del Bosque told a news conference.
"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."
Valencia winger Pablo Hernandez also made the squad on the
back of some strong recent performances.
Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has been left out because
of injury concerns. Villarreal midfielders Santi Cazorla and
Marcos Senna are also missing.
"We have spoken with Fernando (Torres) and Rafa Benitez and
we reached the decision it was best not to force him," Del
Bosque said of his number nine.
The European champions take on Argentina at the Calderon in
Madrid on Saturday as part of the Spanish Football Federation's
Centenary celebrations.
"I'm sure they will be motivated to play against one of the
greats of world football like us," Del Bosque said. "It's one of
the best games you could see at present."
Four days later, Spain travel to play Austria in Vienna,
scene of their final triumph over Germany at Euro 2008.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Pepe Reina
(Liverpool), Diego Lopez (Villarreal).
Defenders: Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Alvaro Arbeloa (Real
Madrid), Andoni Iraola (Athletic Bilbao), Joan Capdevila
(Villarreal), Carlos Marchena (Valencia), Raul Albiol (Real
Madrid), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Carles Puyol (Barcelona).
Midfielders: Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Sergio Busquets
(Barcelona), Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal), Andres Iniesta
(Barcelona), Xavi (Barcelona).
Forwards: David Silva (Valencia), Pablo Hernandez
(Valencia), Daniel Guiza (Fenerbahce), Alvaro Negredo (Sevilla),
David Villa (Valencia), Juan Mata (Valencia), Jesus Navas
(Sevilla).