The Arsenal defender Héctor Bellerín has been included in Spain’s final 23-man squad for the defence of their European Championship title.
Bellerín, the 21-year-old right-back who featured in the PFA Premier League team of the year, made his international debut in a 3-1 victory over Bosnia on Sunday.
But after the Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal was ruled out of the tournament with a hip injury sustained in the Champions League final, Bellerín was named in a provisional 19-man group by Vicente del Bosque.
The Spain head coach revealed his final four players later on Tuesday, with Sergio Ramos, Juanfran, Lucas Vázquez and Koke making the cut, while Isco and Saúl Ñíguez missed out.
“We have tried to select a balanced squad and I think every position is well covered in this 23,” Del Bosque said at a press conference. “I’ve not spoken personally to any of the players who’ve been left behind. Everyone wanted to be here, but we only had 23 spots.”
Carvajal left the field in tears in the 52nd minute of Real’s penalty shoot-out win over Atlético Madrid in Milan on Saturday and scans revealed a grade-two tear of hip flexor muscles.
Spain open the defence of their title against the Czech Republic in Toulouse on 13 June. They will also play Turkey and Croatia in Group D.
Spain squad for Euro 2016
Goalkeepers Iker Casillas (Porto), David De Gea (Man United), Sergio Rico (Sevilla).
Defenders Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Gerard Piqué, Jordi Alba, Marc Bartra (all Barcelona), César Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Mikel San José (Athletic Bilbao), Héctor Bellerín (Arsenal), Juanfran (Atletico Madrid).
Midfielders Bruno (Villarreal), Sergio Busquets, Andrés Iniesta (both Barcelona), Thiago (Bayern Munich), David Silva (Manchester City), Pedro, Cesc Fábregas (both Chelsea), Lucas Vázquez (Real Madrid), Koke (Atletico Madrid).
Forwards Aritz Aduriz (Athletic Bilbao), Nolito (Celta Vigo), Álvaro Morata (Juventus).
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