Real s Asensio, Milan s Deulofeu in Spain squad

Madrid May 19 (IANS) Real Madrid s impressive attacking midfielder Marco Asensio and AC Milan s Gerard Deulofeu have been included in the Spain football squad for their upcoming international matches next month.

Asensio has played two matches for the senior Spain team so far. The 21-year-old was first called up to the senior squad for an international friendly against Bosnia-Herzegovina in the run up to Euro 2016 on May 17 last year.

He was part of the starting XI in the next friendly which saw Spain defeat Switzerland 3-1.

According to reports in the local media apart from Asencio five other Real Madrid players have been called up by Spain manager Julen Lopetegui including Dani Carvajal Sergio Ramos Nacho Isco and Alvaro Morata.

Deulofeu has been rewarded for his performance in the 2-0 win over France in a friendly in March when he scored his first international goal.

The 23-year-old winger has been in good form for Italian giants AC Milan while om loan from English Premier League (EPL) side Everton FC scoring three goals in 16 Serie A matches.

Real Sociedad midfielder Asier Illarramendi was also included as was Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Kepa.

However one of the surprise exclusion from the squad is Ander Herrera.

The 27-year-old was recently adjudged the MAnchester United player of the season following a series of good performances.

The midfielder who has scored 10 times in 84 appearances for Manchester United played his last international game in March.

Manchester United s Juan Mata who has recently returned to action following groin surgery was also omitted.

Spain will lock horns with Colombia in a friendly on June 7 before a World Cup qualifying tie against Macedonia four days later.

Squad:
Goalkeepers: David de Gea (Manchester United) Kepa (Athletic Bilbao) Pepe Reina (Napoli).

Defenders: Jordi Alba (Barcelona) Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea) Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid) Nacho (Real Madrid) Nacho Monreal (Arsenal) Gerard Pique (Barcelona) Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid) Sergi Roberto (Barcelona).

Midfielders: Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich) Marco Asensio (Real Madrid) Sergio Busquets (Barcelona) Asier Illarramendi (Real Sociedad) Andres Iniesta (Barcelona) Isco (Real Madrid) Koke (Atletico Madrid) Pedro (Chelsea) David Silva (Manchester City) Vitolo (Sevilla).

Forwards: Iago Aspas (Celta Vigo) Diego Costa (Chelsea) Gerard Deulofeu (AC Milan on loan from Everton) Alvaro Morata (Real Madrid).

--IANS
dm/ajb/dg