World Cup squad hints: Biggest ins, outs for international friendlies

GERMANY

Borussia Dortmund winger Marco Reus is perhaps the biggest name omission from the German squad for their friendlies against Spain and Brazil.

Reus has only recently returned from a serious ankle injury with manager Joachim Loew citing the importance of an ease back into football as the reason for his absence.

German national soccer player Marco Reus

“It’s important for us that Marco is guided to the top level gently and without additional pressure and that he gets stability,” Loew said.

Reus’ Dortmund teammate Mario Goetze has also been left out, while there were call-ups for strikers Timo Werner, Mario Gomez and Sandro Wagner.

The side is also without first choice goalkeeper Manuel Neuer who remains sidelined through injury.

Full squad:

Goalkeepers: Bernd Leno (Bayer Leverkusen), Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Barcelona), Kevin Trapp (Paris Saint-Germain).

Defenders: Jerome Boateng (Bayern Munich), Matthias Ginter (Borussia Moenchengladbach), Jonas Hector (Cologne), Mats Hummels (Bayern Munich), Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Marvin Plattenhardt (Hertha Berlin), Antonio Ruediger (Chelsea), Niklas Suele (Bayern Munich).

Midfielders: Sami Khedira (Juventus), Toni Kroos (Real Madrid), Julian Brandt (Bayer Leverkusen), Emre Can (Liverpool), Julian Draxler (Paris Saint-Germain), Leon Goretzka (Schalke), Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester City), Thomas Mueller (Bayern Munich), Mesut Ozil (Arsenal), Sebastian Rudy (Bayern Munich), Leroy Sane (Manchester City), Lars Stindl (Borussia Moenchengladbach).

Forwards: Timo Werner (Leipzig), Mario Gomez (Stuttgart), Sandro Wagner (Bayern Munich).

SPAIN

Alvaro Morata is the biggest casualty in Spain boss Julien Lopetegui’s squad for friendlies against Germany and Argentina.

Lopetuegui pointed to the Chelsea striker’s lack of football as the reason for his omission, stating “He had physical problems, was inactive for a while, and we thought it was better to bring other players.” Although his lack of goal scoring touch may have played a part.

His Blues teammate Marcos Alonso earned a call up as well as Valencia midfielder Dani Parejo and Villarreal midfielder Rodrigo Hernandez.

There’s also a recall for the man Morata replaced at Chelsea - Diego Costa.

Pedro Rodriguez and Vitolo have been shafted from the squad.

Diego Costa is back in the Spain squad

Full squad:

Goalkeepers: Kepa Arrizabalaga (Athletic Bilbao), David De Gea (Manchester United), Pepe Reina (Napoli).

Defenders: Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Marcos Alonso (Chelsea), Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Nacho Fernandez (Real Madrid), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Alvaro Odriozola (Real Sociedad).

Midfielders: Francisco “Isco” Alarcon (Real Madrid), Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich), David Silva (Manchester City), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Saul Niguez (Atletico Madrid), Dani Parejo (Valencia), Jorge “Koke” Resurreccion (Atletico Madrid), Rodrigo Hernandez (Villarreal), Marco Asensio (Real Madrid).

Forwards: Iago Aspas (Celta Vigo), Rodrigo (Valencia), Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid), Lucas Vazquez (Real Madrid).