Spain call up uncapped trio for Nations League

MADRID: Spain coach Luis de la Fuente on Friday named uncapped trio Aitor Paredes, Marc Casado and Samu Omorodion in his squad for Nations League matches against Switzerland and Denmark.

The 20-year-old Omorodion is in line to make his debut with some doubt over the fitness of skipper Alvaro Morata who was admitted to hospital in Milan with a head injury after an incident in training on Thursday.

De la Fuente, however, remained optimistic that Morata would be ready to play. “Alvaro is fine, after all the tests he has undergone he has no problems,” he said. “We have to follow a protocol but he should be fit to play in the next game.”

Omorodion, however, has been in fine form for Porto and is top scorer in the Europa League with four goals. “Samu is a boy who has footballing potential and who has burst onto the Portuguese scene in a way that has attracted attention,” said De La Fuente.

“He has the potential to be a very good striker but he has to show that this growth is still happening.” De la Fuente may also be tempted to take a look at 21-year-old Casado, a starting midfielder for a Barcelona side that has been dominating La Liga.

Bilbao centre-back Paredes could also get his first senior international cap at the age of 24. “The ´Family´ is growing,” said De La Fuente. “We have to incorporate new elements to this ´Family´.

“It´s about giving opportunities to young talented, capable people, it never fails.” De La Fuente is still without first-choice goalkeeper Unai Simon, who has yet to play for Bilbao this season due to injury.

Ballon d´Or winner Rodri, who has undergone knee surgery and could miss the remainder of the season, is also missing. Announcing the squad on video, De la Fuente took the opportunity to lend support to the victims of the recent floods in Spain which have left at least 219 dead and 93 missing. “The world of football will not let you down, we will not let you down. We will play for all of you,” he said.