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Arrizabalaga left out of Spain squad for World Cup qualifiers

Kepa Arrizabalaga - Chelsea
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After losing his place in the Blues starting XI, the most expensive shot-stopper in the world faces another major setback.

Kepa Arrizabalaga has not been included in Spain’s squad for their World Cup qualifiers in March.

On Monday, Spain manager Luis Enrique announced his 24-man squad for the triple-header of Greece, Georgia, and Kosovo during the international break.

Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez made the cut at the expense of Arrizabalaga, who has been deprived of game time lately. Sanchez is one of the four new faces in the La Roja team, including Barcelona youngster Pedri and Eibar pair Bryan Gil and Pedro Porro.

The 26-year-old lost his position as the Chelsea No.1 to Edouard Mendy, who joined the club from Rennes last summer. Since then, he has been restricted to only eight starts, and only four in the Premier League.

The €80 million goalkeeper’s exclusion means his hopes of being selected for this summer’s European championship is also under serious threat.

Spain squad in full

Goalkeeper: David De Gea (Manchester United), Robert Sanchez (Brighton), Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao)

Defenders: Pedro Porro (Sporting), Eric Garcia (Man City), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Diego Llorente (Leeds United), Inigo Martinez (Athletic Bilbao), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Jose Luis Gaya (Valencia)

Midfielders: Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Rodrigo (Man City), Thiago Alcantara (Liverpool), Pedri (Barcelona), Marcos Llorente (Atletico Madrid), Sergio Canales (Real Betis), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Fabian Ruiz (Napoli)

Forwards: Gerard Moreno (Villarreal), Ferran Torres (Man City), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Alvaro Morata (Juventus), Bryan Gil (Eibar), Dani Olmo (RB Leipzig).

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