Football
Adriana Garcia 7y

Chelsea's Pedro, Diego Costa return to Spain squad for Israel qualifier

Chelsea winger Pedro has been named in the Spain squad for the first time since Euro 2016, with clubmate Diego Costa also recalled.

Spain coach Julen Lopetegui's side play Israel in a World Cup qualifier on March 24 before facing France in a Paris friendly four days later.

Pedro is back in the fold for the first time since he said it "is not worth" joining the national squad if he is not going to play.

He has scored seven goals and set up seven more in 24 appearances for Chelsea this season.

Costa, Chelsea's leading scorer with 17 Premier League goals, missed Spain's last two games of 2016 due to a groin injury.

Meanwhile, Lopetegui has also welcomed back Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos and Barcelona trio Gerard Pique, Andres Iniesta and Jordi Alba after injuries.

Uncapped Real Sociedad midfielder Asier Illarramendi has been included and Gerard Deulofeu is back for the first time since making his debut in 2014.

Deulofeu has become a regular at AC Milan since joining them on loan from Everton in January.

Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera is included but teammate Juan Mata and Manchester City winger Nolito have been left out.

Sevilla goalkeeper Sergio Rico has been included in place of Villarreal's Sergio Asenjo, who is injured.

Squad:

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

Defenders: Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Nacho Monreal (Arsenal), Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Nacho (Real Madrid), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Javi Martinez (Bayern Munich).

Midfielders: Asier Illarramendi (Real Sociedad), Ander Herrera (Manchester United), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Isco (Real Madrid), Thiago (Bayern Munich), David Silva (Manchester City), Gerard Deulofeu (AC Milan).

Forwards: Pedro (Chelsea), Diego Costa (Chelsea), Vitolo (Sevilla), Alvaro Morata (Real Madrid), Iago Aspas (Celta Vigo).

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