.vresize.36.36.medium.0.png){kind=small}
.vresize.36.36.medium.0.png){kind=small}
Isco ruled out of Spain squad with muscle strain
Injury will see Real Madrid playmaker Isco miss Spain's "top level test" against England this week.
The reigning European champions host Roy Hodgson's men at the Estadio Jose Rico Perez in Alicante on Friday as both nations step up their preparations for Euro 2016. Vicente del Bosque has named a strong, experienced squad for the friendly, although Isco has become the latest player forced to withdraw. Atletico Madrid's Juanfran and Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos pulled out on Monday, and the attacking midfielder has now followed suit due to a muscle strain sustained in Sunday's defeat to Sevilla.
A statement from the Spanish football federation (RFEF) read: "The midfielder carried out an individual training session, separate from the team, due to the discomfort felt upon arriving to the practice. This morning, after undergoing several medical tests at the Sanitas-La Moraleja hospital and after analyzing the results, and sharing them with his club, Isco has left the national team meet-up."
Del Bosque has chosen not to replace Isco in the squad to face England and Belgium, although that might change should Andres Iniesta, who missed training on Wednesday, also be forced out.
The Spain coach has already called up Nacho Fernandez and Oscar de Marcos following the initial withdrawals and the latter - the only uncapped outfield player in the la Roja squad - is looking forward to the friendlies with England and Belgium. "I came to spend a few days in Madrid and when I woke up I had been called up," Athletic Bilbao defender De Marcos said. "It's a joy and recognition to my work. They're very good rivals (to face), that always works well. They're ideal to demonstrate what we're worth."
Villarreal's Mario Gaspar echoed those sentiments as he goes in search of his second Spanish cap. "All the call ups are important," he said. "We have to play well against our next rivals and with Villarreal. With the upcoming opponents there are no friendlies. It will be a top level test."
Undisputed
The Herd with Colin Cowherd
First Things First
Flippin' Bats with Ben Verlander
The Skip Bayless Show
The Carton Show
FOX Sports
