Hector Bellerin is happy to be back in the Spanish national team squad, admitting that it was tough to be away from the side for so long.

Late last week, Hector Bellerin received a surprise late call-up from the Spanish national team. Jesus Navas picked up an injury and had to withdraw, leaving the path open for the Arsenal 25-year-old.

Bellerin’s last Spain call-up was for EURO 2016, and his last appearance for his country was a friendly match in June 2016, before the tournament. After such a long absence, the right-back is glad to finally get another chance.

“Yes, I am so happy to be returning home,” Bellerin said. “It has been almost five years since the last time, so I am very happy.

“They have been tough years, and they always are when you cannot join the national team, but I am very proud and happy now. I can’t wait to start.”

Spain have three fairly high-profile matches over the November international break. They face the Netherlands, Switzerland and Germany in quick succession.

The main benefit of that is Bellerin will almost certainly get a game, and it will be a top opponent to test himself against.

It’s all well and good playing against the smaller nations where you might score or assist and avoid any trouble defensively, but performing well against the likes of Germany is how you get future call-ups.

If Bellerin features versus either Switzerland or Germany, he may well face Arsenal teammates Granit Xhaka or Bernd Leno, who are both with their national teams again. Check out our full Arsenal player November international fixture list here.