Man Utd star Mata returns to Spain squad but Fabregas left out again

Stephen Darwin

Man Utd star Mata returns to Spain squad but Fabregas left out again image

Juan Mata has earned a recall to the Spain squad for the forthcoming fixtures against Macedonia and England.

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The Manchester United midfielder was left out of the previous selection, for matches against Italy and Albania respectively, and was also absent from then-manager Vicente del Bosque's squad for Euro 2016.

New head coach Julen Lopetegui has decided to bring the playmaker back in, however, with Mata having impressed in October, winning United's Player of the Month award for his performances.

Elsewhere club mate Ander Herrera retains his place in the squad, while other Premier League stars including the likes of Diego Costa, Nacho Monreal and Nolito are also in.

Cesc Fabregas's international exile continues, meanwhile, with the Chelsea star once again not involved for his country.

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Athletic Bilbao striker Aritz Aduriz also earns a call-up, with the 35-year-old having scored five goals in his side's Europa League win over Genk on Thursday.

Spain squad in full: Reina (Napoli), De Gea (Man. Utd), Asenjo (Villarreal); Nacho (Real Madrid), Bartra (Borussia Dortmund), Inigo Martínez (Real Sociedad), Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Monreal (Arsenal), Carvajal (Real Madrid), Escudero (Sevilla), Sergi Roberto (Barcelona); Ander Herrera (Man. Utd), Busquets (Barcelona), Koke (Atletico), Isco (Real Madrid), Thiago (Bayern), Silva (Man City), Mata (Man United), Lucas Vazquez (Real Madrid), Callejón (Napoli), Vitolo (Sevilla); Costa (Chelsea), Nolito (Man City) and Aduriz (Athletic).

Stephen Darwin