Spain call in veteran Raul Albiol as youngsters get chance to impress
Captain Sergio Busquets tested positive for coronavirus on Sunday and was taken away from the national team training camp, although it is hoped he will be able to return.
Subsequent tests on remaining players and staff have all showed up negative results, but Spain are erring on the side of caution by ensuring they have suitable reinforcements if needed.
That is why versatile Villarreal defender Albiol, a 56-cap international who won the Europa League with his club side last month, comes into the picture at the age of 35.
With the senior squad in isolation and training individually, it will be a Spain Under-21 team who line up in a friendly against Lithuania on Tuesday, but senior caps will be awarded.
It was also announced on Monday that Leeds United forward Rodrigo Moreno and three midfielders in West Ham’s Pablo Fornals, Valencia’s Carlos Soler and Celta Vigo’s Brais Mendez would be called in to train in a ‘parallel bubble’, being ready to step in should Luis Enrique’s squad be depleted.
Spain’s opening game against Sweden at Euro 2020 takes place on June 14 in Seville.
