Thiago Pitarch and Mosquera among Spain U21 squad newcomers

Spain U21 squad announced for friendlies against Japan and Albania; Real Madrid's Thiago Pitarch and Arsenal's Cristhian Mosquera among new faces.

Spain U21 manager David Gordo has named a 24-player squad for friendly matches against Japan (13 November in Almendralejo) and Albania (17 November in Tirana) as preparation for next year's European Championship. The squad includes new call-ups: Real Madrid midfielder Thiago Pitarch, Arsenal defender Cristhian Mosquera, and Deportivo de A Coruña winger David Mella. Real Madrid forward Carlos Espí retains his place after impressing in recent matches, including scoring five goals against San Marino. The squad will concentrate from Monday, 9 November. Several players drop out due to injury or promotion to the senior squad, including Barcelona's Xavi Espart (injured) and Como's Jacobo Ramón, who has been called up to the senior team.