From March 20 to 28, the first national team break of 2023 takes place and for many, it will be strange not to see the names of players from the European elite or the most outstanding Concacaf teams in the lineups of some teams.
Among the teams that underwent the most changes is Spain, which with the new coach Luis de la Fuente, summoned only 11 of the 26 players who traveled to the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
However, the surprises went much further and below you will see the most prominent names that were not called.
Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid) – Germany
Despite the fact that the Real Madrid defender, Antonio Rudiger, has been adding minutes with the white team due to the intermittent participation of David Alaba, Hansi Flick has decided not to call him for the friendly matches against Peru and Belgium.
Jordi Alba (FC Barcelona) – Spain
The 34-year-old full-back from FC Barcelona, Jordi Alba, will most likely not enter Luis de la Fuente’s process, as his 19-year-old teammate Alejandro Balde is leaving very good feelings.
Marco Asensio (Real Madrid) – Spain
The Spanish attacker Marco Asensio has not been the undisputed starter for Ancelotti, and it seems that he is not for Luis de la Fuente either. Veteran Iago Aaspas, reference for Celta de Vigo in La Liga, entered in his place.
Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal) – Brazil
Despite the fact that the call-up for Brazil was made by interim coach Vítor Roque, it is still striking that the fifth in the Premier League scorer’s table, Gabriel Martilelli (13 goals), was not at the service of Verdeamarela.
Ferran Torres (FC Barcelona) – Spain
Another of the surprises in the call for Spain is the absence of the attacker Ferrán Torres, who has become a constant in the line-ups of the Barça team, although he rarely starts.
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