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Spain World Cup squad leaked? List of players circles who are ‘set in stone’ for Russia
THE Spain World Cup squad may have been leaked by Spanish media - six days before the official announcement.
The Spain World Cup squad will be announced officially on Monday
Spain boss Julen Lopetegui will submit a 35-man list to FIFA on Monday, which will then be trimmed down to 23 players for the World Cup.
But Spanish newspaper Marca say 20 of those players are already ‘set in stone’ - and they have named them on their website.
It’s claimed Lopetegui will name three goalkeepers in his squad - Manchester United’s David De Gea, former Liverpool star Reina and Athletic Bilbao stopper Kepa. Villarreal’s Sergio Asenjo will be a back-up option if one of those gets injured.
There are five names considered ‘certainties’ in defence, Marca say. Those are Dani Carvajal, Nacho Fernandez, Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba.
Spain World Cup squad: David De Gea will be one of three goalkeepers
Chelsea duo Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso will fight with Marc Bartra for alternative spots - although there will be no place for Arsenal's Nacho Monreal. He is said to be out the reckoning completely.
There are nine midfielders who are ‘indisputable’ in terms of selection, Marca say. Those are Sergio Busquets, Thiago Alcantara, Koke, Saul Niguez, Andres Iniesta, David Silva, Isco, Marco Asensio and Lucas Vazquez.
If injuries arise, Asier Illarramendi, Javi Martinez, Jose Callejon, Suso and Dani Parejo are alternative options.
In terms of strikers, Diego Costa, Iago Aspas and Rodrigo Moreno are all likely to be included.
Chelsea’s Alvaro Morata still has an outside shot of making it but will need to impress in the FA Cup final against Manchester United.
Spain World Cup squad: Gerard Pique is a certainty to make the cut
Spain World Cup squad
The 20 men suggested by Marca who are going
Goalkeepers: David De Gea, Pepe Reina, Kepa
Defenders: Dani Carvajal, Nacho Fernandez, Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique Jordi Alba.
Midfielders: Sergio Busquets, Thiago Alcantara, Koke, Saul Niguez, Andres Iniesta, David Silva, Isco, Marco Asensio, Lucas Vazquez.
Forwards: Diego Costa, Iago Aspas, Rodrigo Moreno.