Spain include Joan Garcia as one of four new call-ups

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente named in-form Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia in his 27-man squad on Friday as one of four maiden call-ups for friendlies later this month.

The European champions continue their World Cup preparations with matches against Serbia on March 27 in Villarreal and Egypt four days later.

The game against Serbia replaced the Finalissima versus Argentina, cancelled due to the Middle East war.

The friendly with Egypt has been moved to Barcelona from Qatar for the same reason.

Garcia has made 35 appearances in all competitions this season since joining Barcelona from city rivals Espanyol.

He suffered an injury scare earlier this week when he was replaced by Wojciech Szczesny late in Barcelona’s 7-2 Champions League thumping of Newcastle.

Arsenal defender Cristhian Mosquera, Real Sociedad forward Ander Barrenetxea and Osasuna’s Victor Munoz are all also named in a national-team squad for the first time.

Winger Nico Williams is still absent through injury, while Gavi misses out having only made one brief substitute appearance for Barcelona since returning from a serious knee injury.

Spain are among the favourites for this year’s World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, where they will face Uruguay, Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia in Group H.

Squad

Goalkeepers: Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao), David Raya (Arsenal/ENG), Alex Remiro (Real Sociedad), Joan Garcia (Barcelona)

Defenders: Marcos Llorente (Atletico Madrid), Pedro Porro (Tottenham/ENG), Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Bilbao), Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona), Dean Huijsen (Real Madrid), Cristhian Mosquera (Arsenal/ENG), Marc Cucurella (Chelsea/ENG), Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen/GER)

Midfielders: Rodri (Manchester City/ENG), Martin Zubimendi (Arsenal/ENG), Pedri (Barcelona), Pablo Fornals (Real Betis), Carlos Soler (Real Sociedad), Dani Olmo (Barcelona), Fermin Lopez (Barcelona)

Forwards: Yeremy Pino (Crystal Palace/ENG), Alex Baena (Atletico Madrid), Ander Barrenetxea (Real Sociedad), Víctor Munoz (Osasuna), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Ferran Torres (Barcelona), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)

bur-dam/jc/bsp

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