Nacho Monreal has been drafted in by Spain after Jordi Alba had to withdraw from the squad with injury after their 1-1 draw against Italy in Turin.

Turning 31 in February, Nacho has been a standout star for Arsenal over the past few seasons but was ignored by his national side.

Monreal was given his international debut by Vicente del Bosque, against Macedonia in 2009 when he was just 23, but in the intervening seven years he has made just 16 appearances, 12 of which were friendlies.

He has not played for his country since 2013 when he faced South Africa, eight months after joining Arsenal and has only completed 90 minutes on 10 occasions.

Nacho has three assists in his 16 games.

Spain play Albania on Sunday.

Meanwhile, in other Spain-related news, Hector Bellerin has returned to training after picking up a slight injury problem in the u21s last game. Initially reported to be a ‘concern’ the defender is back in the squad and in line for selection for their next game on Monday.