After 6-year absence, Isco returns to Spain's squad for Nations League semifinal. Rodri still out
FILE - Manchester City's Rodrigo runs on the pitch during the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Manchester City and Inter Milan at the Etihad Stadium, in Manchester, England, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson, File)
Barcelona's Gavi, second from right, and Valladolid's Anuar, centre left, challenge for the ball during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Valladolid and FC Barcelona at the Jose Zorrilla stadium in Valladolid, Spain, Saturday, May 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Betis' Isco shields the ball from Fiorentina's Rolan Mandragora during the UEFA Conference League second leg semifinal soccer match between Fiorentina and Real Betis at Artemio Franchi stadium in Florence, Italy, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (Marco Bucco/LaPresse via AP)
Betis' Isco, front, moves the ball away from Fiorentina's Rolando Mandragora during the UEFA Conference League second leg semifinal soccer match between Fiorentina and Real Betis at Artemio Franchi stadium in Florence, Italy, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (Marco Bucco/LaPresse via AP)
Betis' Isco, front, moves the ball away from Fiorentina's Rolando Mandragora during the UEFA Conference League second leg semifinal soccer match between Fiorentina and Real Betis at Artemio Franchi stadium in Florence, Italy, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (Marco Bucco/LaPresse via AP)
FILE - Manchester City's Rodrigo runs on the pitch during the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Manchester City and Inter Milan at the Etihad Stadium, in Manchester, England, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson, File)
Barcelona's Gavi, second from right, and Valladolid's Anuar, centre left, challenge for the ball during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Valladolid and FC Barcelona at the Jose Zorrilla stadium in Valladolid, Spain, Saturday, May 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Betis' Isco shields the ball from Fiorentina's Rolan Mandragora during the UEFA Conference League second leg semifinal soccer match between Fiorentina and Real Betis at Artemio Franchi stadium in Florence, Italy, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (Marco Bucco/LaPresse via AP)
Betis' Isco, front, moves the ball away from Fiorentina's Rolando Mandragora during the UEFA Conference League second leg semifinal soccer match between Fiorentina and Real Betis at Artemio Franchi stadium in Florence, Italy, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (Marco Bucco/LaPresse via AP)
MADRID (AP) — Isco is back with Spain's national team after a six-year absence, while Rodri remains out after a long injury layoff.
Coach Luis de la Fuente on Monday named 26 players for the Nations League semifinal against France on June 5 in Stuttgart. Germany and Portugal will play in the other semifinal on June 4 in Munich.
Advertisement
The 33-year-old Isco, the former Real Madrid player who is now with Real Betis, hadn't been called up for Spain since 2019. His solid performances for Betis in the Spanish league earned him a spot in the national team again.
'I've never paid attention to how long they've been away," De la Fuente said. "It was the right time for Isco to return, he'll be there and he'll contribute, because if I had thought otherwise, he wouldn't have been there.'
Rodri recently returned for Manchester City after a long layoff because of a serious knee injury, but De la Fuente felt it was too soon to bring him back to the national team.
'He's very important but has been out for eight months and played only 10 minutes," De la Fuente said. 'I've spoken with him and we thought it wasn't the time to take any risks.'
Advertisement
The coach did select midfielder Gavi, who also sustained a serious knee injury but played often for Barcelona this year.
'He's at a high level and has room for improvement,' De la Fuente said. 'He has to keep working to maintain the level he was at a little over a year ago.'
Included in the list, as expected, were Barcelona players Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Dani Olmo. Athletic's Nico Williams also was called up. Some of those missing were defenders Iñigo Martínez of Barcelona and Raúl Asencio of Real Madrid.
___
Squad:
Goalkeepers: David Raya (Arsenal), Álex Remiro (Real Sociedad), Unai Simón (Athletic Bilbao)
Advertisement
Defenders: Marc Cucurella (Chelsea), Óscar Mingueza (Celta Vigo), Dani Vivian (Athletic Bilbao), Pau Cubarsí (Barcelona), Pedro Porro (Tottenham), Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen), Dean Huijsen (Real Madrid), Robin Le Normand (Atletico Madrid)
Midfielders: Martín Zubimendi (Real Sociedad), Mikel Merino (Arsenal), Gavi (Barcelona), Alex Baena (Villarreal), Fabián Ruiz (Paris Saint-Germain), Aleix García (Bayer Leverkusen), Pedri (Barcelona), Isco (Real Betis).
Forwards: Álvaro Morata (Galatasaray), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Samu Omorodion (Porto), Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Yeremy Pino (Villarreal), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Dani Olmo (Barcelona).
___
AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
13 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Son hails sacked Postecoglou as 'a Spurs legend'
Ange Postecoglou (C) sacked as Tottenham Hotspur manager has transformed the club said South Korean star Son Heung-Min (Glyn KIRK) Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min said Ange Postecoglou, who was sacked as manager on Friday, had 'changed the trajectory of this club' by delivering their first silverware in 17 years. Postecoglou guided Tottenham to a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the Europa League final last month to clinch the club's first European prize in 41 years and secure a place in next season's Champions League. Advertisement But the 59-year-old Australian paid the price for Tottenham's worst domestic season since they were relegated from the top flight in 1976-77. Tottenham lost 22 of their 38 Premier League games to finish 17th in the table, above only relegated trio Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton. Son, though, in an effusive tribute on Instagram said Postecoglou had transformed the club. "Gaffer. You've changed the trajectory of this club," wrote Son. "You believed in yourself, and us, since day one and never wavered for a second. Even when others did. "You knew what we were capable of all along. You did it your way. And your way brought this club the best night it's had in decades. We will have those memories for life." Advertisement Son, who has seen five managers sacked in the past six years by chairman Daniel Levy, said he had formed a close relationship with Postecoglou during his two year tenure. "You trusted me with the captaincy," said the 32-year-old Korean star. "One of the highest honours of my career. It's been an incredible privilege to learn from your leadership up close. "I am a better player and a better person because of you. "Ange Postecoglou, you are a Tottenham Hotspur legend forever. Thank you, mate." Tottenham were ravaged by injuries and in the latter stages of the campaign Postecoglou focused on keeping his key players fit and fresh for the Europa League. Advertisement The gamble paid off but even securing Tottenham's first trophy since the 2008 League Cup was not enough to save the former Celtic handler. Brentford boss Thomas Frank, Fulham manager Marco Silva, Crystal Palace's FA Cup winning handler Oliver Glasner and Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola are reportedly the leading candidates to replace Postecoglou. pi/ea
Yahoo
17 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Inter Milan Make Parma Teenage Sensation Top Target In Defense – Bologna & Genoa Stars Also On Radar
Inter Milan Make Parma Teenage Sensation Top Target In Defense – Bologna & Genoa Stars Also On Radar Inter Milan have identified Parma defender Giovanni Leoni as their top target at the back. This according to today's print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews. Inter Milan have been keen to sign teenage defender Giovanni Leoni since last summer. They had been in talks to sign the Italy Under-21 international from Sampdoria. Advertisement However, it was Parma who won the race for Leoni's signature. The 19-year-old has enjoyed extremely impressive form since making the switch to the Emilian club. Particularly over the second half of the campaign, Leoni's form stood out. He was a key player in Parma's success in the relegation battle under Cristian Chivu. And with Cristian Chivu niow set to become Inter coach, a move for the teenager looks increasingly logical. Inter Milan Make Parma Defender Giovanni Leoni Top Target PARMA, ITALY – APRIL 05:Giovanni Leoni of Parma Calcio in action during the Serie A match between Parma and FC Internazionale at Stadio Ennio Tardini on April 05, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by) It has always been abundantly clear that Inter would sign a defender this summer. The likes of Francesco Acerbi and Stefan de Vrij certainly aren't getting any younger. Therefore, it is necessary for the Nerazzurri to rejuvenate their backline. Advertisement And there have been a number of targets to emerge in this respect. Bologna defender Sam Beukema is a player who Inter have been monitoring for months. Meanwhile, the Nerazzurri have reportedly already approached Genoa regarding Koni De Winter. The Gazzetta confirm that these two players are targets for Inter. However, the newspaper anticipate, Leoni has jumped to the top of the Nerazzurri's list. Particularly with Chivu's arrival on the bench. According to the Gazzetta, Parma don't necessarily want to sell Leoni this summer. Considering he is just eighteen years of age, they feel that with another season in Emilia-Romagna, his value could increase. However, with Inter – and other big Italian clubs – pressing to sign Leoni, the Gialloblu may struggle to keep hold of the young defender.
Yahoo
20 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Cristiano Ronaldo rules himself out of Club World Cup
Portugal forward and captain Cristiano Ronaldo said he will not play in the Club World Cup. (Alexandra BEIER) Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed he would not play in the upcoming Club World Cup on Saturday, dismissing rumours he was set to transfer to one of the participating clubs. Speaking ahead of Sunday's Nations League final against Spain in Munich, the Portugal captain said suggestions he was set to take part in the newly expanded competition were wide of the mark. Advertisement "I will not be at the Club World Cup," the Portugal veteran said, but added he had "been contacted" by several participating teams. Ronaldo came into Nations League in Germany amid swirling doubts about his future at club level, with the veteran's contract at Saudi side Al-Nassr set to expire at the end of June. In May, the Portuguese posted on social media "the chapter is over" as reports emerged he could switch to another club, potentially Saudi side Al Hilal, one of the teams who will be at the tournament in the United States in June. Ronaldo said he was not interested in making a short-term decision which would allow him to play in the competition. Advertisement "Some teams reached out to me. Some made sense and others did not, but you can't try and do everything, you can't catch every ball." The forward said the decision on his future was "almost final". dwi/za
