Luis Enrique names seven Premier League players in Spain squad as Real Madrid man returns

A Real Madrid player is selected for Spain for the first time since March.

(AFP via Getty Images)

Spain coach Luis Enrique has called up seven Premier League players to his Spain squad for their remaining World Cup qualifiers against Greece and Sweden, while recalling Dani Carvajal to his squad, making him the first Real Madrid player the manager has selected since March.

Right-back Carvajal missed the majority of last season due to a series of injuries, making only 15 appearances in all competitions, and also sat out Spain's European Championship campaign. Luis Enrique has selected no players from 13 times European Champions Real Madrid in his last three squads, including at the Euros where Spain reached the semi-finals.

Spain are second in their World Cup qualifying group, two points behind Sweden and need victory in their last two games to guarantee top spot and a place at the tournament finals in Qatar.

"I'll be honest, I feel the pressure,” the former Barcelona manager said in a news conference on Friday. “Bigger than in the UEFA Nations League final stage. We'll be playing to be in a World Cup. Our group of players is young but they are also experienced and mature, with enough international baggage to handle this kind of responsibility."

Spain face Greece away on November 11 before hosting Sweden three days later.

Spain national team squad:

Goalkeepers: David de Gea (Manchester United), Robert Sánchez (Brighton) and Unai Simón (Athletic).

Defenders: Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Pau Torres (Villarreal), Eric García (Barcelona), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Jose Gaya (Valencia), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Inigo Martínez (Athletic), Aymeric Laporte (Manchester City).

Midfielders: Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Gavi (Barcelona), Carlos Soler (Valencia), Rodri (Manchester City), Koke (Atlético), Mikel Merino (Real Sociedad).

Forwards: Ansu Fati (Barcelona), Pablo Sarabia (Sporting), Rodrigo Moreno (Leeds), Yeremy Pino (Villarreal), Pablo Fornals (West Ham), Dani Olmo (RB Leipzig), Alvaro Morata (Juventus), Brahim Díaz (AC Milan).

Fernando Kallas for Reuters