Herrera was not named in Spain boss Julen Lopetegui’s initial squad for this week's 2018 World Cup qualifiers against Italy and Albania.
However, the United midfielder got the nod following injuries to Bayern Munich's Thiago and Atletico Madrid's Saul Niguez.
The 27-year-old was already in Spain on holiday in Madrid when he received the call from Lopetegui to link up with his international team-mates.
But the midfielder was reportedly so unprepared he had left his boots in Manchester, according to Spanish newspaper El Confidencial.
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Ander Herrera reportedly left his boots at home as he was not expecting a Spain call-up
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The report says Herrera was forced to go shopping for a new pair after turning up to Spain's training base without them.
Spain's first qualifier is against Italy tomorrow evening (8.45pm) at the Juventus Stadium in Turin.
If Herrera makes an appearance it will be his first cap for the senior side having previously represented Spain at Under-20, U21 and U23 levels.