MADRID: Napoli forward Jose Callejon has been included in Julen Lopetegui’s 22-man Spanish squad unveiled on Friday for 2018 World Cup qualifiers against Italy and Albania.

“We decided it would be fully appropriate to take him, we believe he can help us, that he can bring something extra,” Lapotegue said.

“He plays in a demanding team in a great league and if we are taking him it is because we feel he has things to offer us.”

Callejon’s Napoli are currently second in the Italian league and his brace in a one-sided 3-1 win at Palermo last weekend took the twice-capped 29-year-old’s tally to four goals in three league games so far.

Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta has also returned from injury as Spain play Italy in Turin next Thursday before travelling to Albania on Oct 9.

Spain won their opening Group ‘G’ qualifier against minnows Liechtenstein 8-0 while Italy beat Israel 3-1 and Albania won 2-1 against Macedonia.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: David De Gea (Manchester United/ENG), Pepe Reina (Napoli/ITA), Sergio Rico (Sevilla).

Defenders: Jordi Alba, Gerard Piqu, Sergi Roberto (FC Barcelona), Sergio Ramos, Dani Carvajal, Nacho (Real Madrid), Javi Martnez (Bayern Munich/GER).

Midfielders: Sergio Busquets, Andrs Iniesta (FC Barcelona), David Silva (Manchester City/ENG), Sal guez, Koke (Atletico Madrid), Thiago Alcntara (Bayern Mnich/GER), Lucas Vzquez, Francisco Alarcn “Isco” (Real Madrid).

Forwards: Diego Costa (Chelsea/ENG), Alvaro Morata (Real Madrid), Nolito (Manchester City/ENG), Vctor Machn “Vitolo” (Sevilla FC), Jose Callejon (Napoli/ITA).

Published in Dawn, October 1st, 2016