Plenty of changes as Luis Enrique names first Spain squad of 2019

MADRID, march 15 (Xinhua) -- Spain national team coach Luis Enrique on Friday made several changes when named his squad for the Euro-2020 qualifying games at home to Norway on march 23rd and away to Malta three days later.

There is no place for big-name players such as Saul Niguez, Koke or Isco, while Dani Carvajal's injury opens the door for Sevilla's Jesus Navas to return to the squad.

Meanwhile Luis Enrique has handed call-up to Athletic Club Bilbao's Iker Muniain, who returns to the international team after a seven-year absence, Sergi Gomez from Sevilla, Fabian Ruiz (Napoli), while there is also a call-up for Getafe's in-form striker Jaime Mata, who gets his reward for scoring 13 league goals in 27 league matches this season.

There is also a well-deserved first call-up for Valencia captain, Dani Parejo, who has had two excellent seasons with the east-coast club, while Betis' Sergio Canales also has his reward for a good season.

Full Squad:

Goalkeepers: David De Gea, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Pau Lopez.

Defenders: Jesus Navas, Sergi Roberto, Sergi Gomez, Sergio Ramos, Mario Hermoso (Espanyol), Inigo Martinez, Jose Gaya, Jordi Alba, Juan Bernat.

Midfielders: Sergio Busquets, Rodrigo, Dani Ceballos, Fabian Ruiz, Dani Parejo, Sergio Canales.

Forwards: Marco Asensio, Rodrigo Moreno, Alvaro Morata, Iker Muniain, Jaime Mata.