BARCELONA (Reuters) - Chelsea forward Pedro received a recall to the Spain squad on Friday for the World Cup qualifier against Israel and the international friendly against France after nearly nine months out of the national team. AC Milan winger Gerard Deulofeu meanwhile returns to the squad for the first time since 2014 and Real Sociedad midfielder Asier Illarramendi has earned his first call up. Pedro was a key member of the Spain team that won the World Cup in 2010 and the European Championships in 2012 but had yet to be called up by new coach Julen Lopetegui, who took over from Vicente del Bosque last summer. Spain, who are top of World Cup qualifying Group G but level on 10 points with Italy, host Israel, third on nine, on March. 24 before travelling to France for a friendly on March 28.

Source: The Star March 17, 2017 11:15 UTC