Arsenal defender Nacho Monreal replaces Jordi Alba in Spain squad for Albania clash
Injury gives full-back - who has not been capped since 2013 - a chance to impress new boss Julen Lopetegui
NACHO MONREAL has been called up by Spain boss Julen Lopetegui to replace Jordi Alba.
The Arsenal left-back has not been capped since 2013 but has a chance to stake a claim thanks to the injury blow.
New chief Lopetegui - who replaced Vicente Del Bosque after Euro 2016 - has given players a clean slate in a boost to the likes of Monreal, 30.
A statement said: "Arsenal full-back Ignacio Monreal has been selected by Julen Lopetegui and will join the squad in Shkoder tonight in order to be available with the rest of the squad for the game between Albania and Spain."
Alba was injured as Spain drew with Italy, who knocked them out in France.
Vitolo put the Spaniards ahead after an error from Gianluigi Buffon but Danielle de Rossi's late penalty rescued a point.
Up next is Albania in what should be a comfortable win to take Lopetegui 's side to seven points from nine.
Fellow Arsenal full-back Hector Bellerin was thought to have picked up an injury on Under-21s duty last night.
But claim it was "a minor knock" and he is not set to miss any matches.
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