Deportivo Coruna right back Manuel Pablo and Barcelona winger Luis Garcia have been called up for Spain’s friendly against Italy in what will be their final run-out before coach coach Inaki Saez names his squad for Euro 2004.
Barcelona midfielder Xavi and Real Madrid defender Raul Bravo also returned to the squad, but there was no space for Betis winger Joaquin, Arsenal forward Jose Antonio Reyes or Valencia striker Mista.
Saez admitted that at least 17 of the 19 players he named for the friendly would be in his final 23-man squad for the European Championship in Portugal, which starts in June.
“Most of these players are usually in the squad,” said. Saez.
“I can’t be 100 percent sure that they will all go to Portugal, but it is highly likely that apart from the two new players the rest will be in the final list.”
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Santiago Canizares (Valencia)
Defenders: Carles Puyol (Barcelona), Ivan Helguera (Real Madrid), Carlos Marchena (Valencia), Michel Salgado (Real Madrid), Manuel Pablo (Deportivo Coruna), Raul Bravo (Real Madrid)
Midfielders: Joseba Etxeberria (Athletic Bilbao), Juan Carlos Valeron (Deportivo Coruna), Xabi Alonso (Real Sociedad), Ruben Baraja (Valencia), Vicente (Valencia), David Albelda (Valencia), Xavi (Barcelona)
Forwards: Raul (Real Madrid), Fernando Torres (Atletico Madrid), Fernando Morientes (Monaco), Luis Garcia (Barcelona)
