Manchester United star Ander Herrera has earned his first call-up to the Spain squad, after Saul Niguez withdrew through injury.
Herrera, who has made 244 league appearances across his career in the Premier League and La Liga, played for La Roja at numerous youth levels.
However, former manager Vicente Del Bosque did not select the midfielder during the senior side’s unprecedented era of success on the international stage.
New coach Julen Lopetegui has now rewarded Herrera’s run of good form for United, by including him in Spain’s roster for the matchdays two and three of 2018 World Cup qualification.
Atletico Madrid’s Saul was forced to pull out of the camp through a knock on Monday, having been unable to train.
According to the Spanish FA’s official website, Herrera has already linked up with the side.
The statement explains that the 27-year-old will be able to train with his new teammates for the first time on Tuesday.
La Roja travel to Italy on Thursday, before a second away clash against Albania this weekend. These fixtures follow a comfortable 8-0 victory over Liechtenstein last month.
Herrera has played a prominent role for Jose Mourinho at United this term, featuring in five of the club’s seven Premier League fixtures.
However, the Real Zaragoza academy graduate has not contributed a goal or assist in the top-flight since February.
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