Liverpool striker Fernando Morientes has been recalled to the Spain squad as one of four Liverpool players included for next Wednesday’s friendly international against Uruguay in the northern coastal city of Gijon.
Goalkeeper Pepe Reina, and midfielders Xabi Alonso and Luis Garcia were also included, making the Premier League side the biggest contributors to Luis Aragones squad.
Morientes last played for Spain in a World Cup qualifier against Bosnia in September 2004.
“Morientes has always performed well for the national team and he is an important player not just because of his ability to score goals but for his all-round play,” said Aragones.
“It is positive that Spanish players have gone to teams like Liverpool. Getting to know another style of football is good for them, but I do wish they were all playing in important Spanish teams and getting games for them in the Champions League and UEFA Cup.”
Spain play another friendly against Canada in Santander on September 3.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Pepe Reina (Liverpool)
Defenders: Carles Puyol (Barcelona), Carlos Marchena (Valencia), Sergio Ramos (Sevilla), Asier del Horno (Chelsea), Pablo Ibanez (Atletico Madrid), Juanito (Real Betis), Michel Salgado (Real Madrid)
Midfielders: Ivan de la Pena (Espanyol), Joaquin (Real Betis), Xavi (Barcelona), Sergio (Deportivo Coruna), Albert Luque (Deportivo Coruna), Antonio Lopez (Atletico Madrid), Luis Garcia (Liverpool), Xabi Alonso (Liverpool), Vicente (Valencia)
Forwards: Raul (Real Madrid), Fernando Torres (Atletico Madrid), Raul Tamudo (Espanyol), Fernando Morientes (Liverpool)
