The Japan Times - Isco makes Spain squad return for Nations League final four

The 33-year-old has enjoyed a superb season with Real Betis, helping them reach the Conference League final where they face Chelsea on Wednesday.

Euro 2024 winners Spain face France in the semi-final in Stuttgart on June 5 before a potential final against Germany or Portugal.

"It was the opportune moment for Isco to come and give something to us," De la Fuente told reporters.

"He will be adding a lot -- if not, he would not have been in the list."

Out of favour for several seasons at Real Madrid, former Malaga playmaker Isco moved to Sevilla and then Betis in 2022 and 2023 respectively.

At the Benito Villamarin stadium he has rebuilt his career and become a vital cog in Manuel Pellegrini's attractive attacking set-up.

"I'm happy to return after so many years, it's a nice objective to be able to play again with my national team," Isco told Real Betis's in-house media.

"I'm proud to get back there, that means that things have been going well."

Real Madrid's new defensive signing from Bournemouth, Dean Huijsen, who impressed in the quarter-final win over the Netherlands, returns to the squad, while Barcelona midfielders Gavi and Fermin Lopez also make the cut.

Teenage winger Lamine Yamal and playmaker Pedri are the key figures, along with Athletic Bilbao attacker Nico Williams.

Manchester City holding midfielder Rodri was not included despite his recent return to fitness, with Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi set to start at the base of midfield.

"Rodri is hugely important (but) he's been out for eight months and has only played 10 minutes," added De la Fuente.

"It's not the moment to take any risks, we always prioritise the health of the players, he's in the process of improving and gaining back confidence, finding himself again."

Full Spain squad for Nations League final four:

Goalkeepers: Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao), David Raya (Arsenal), Alex Remiro (Real Sociedad)

Defenders: Oscar Mingueza (Celta Vigo), Pedro Porro (Tottenham), Dani Vivian (Athletic Bilbao), Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona), Robin Le Normand (Atletico Madrid), Dean Huijsen (Real Madrid), Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen), Marc Cucurella (Chelsea)

Midfielders: Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad), Gavi, Fermin Lopez, Pedri Gonzalez, Dani Olmo (all Barcelona), Isco (Real Betis), Mikel Merino (Arsenal), Fabian Ruiz (PSG), Alex Baena (Villarreal)

Forwards: Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Yeremy Pino (Villarreal), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Samu Omorodion (Porto), Alvaro Morata (Galatasaray)

K.Inoue--JT