Uncapped trio called up by depleted Spain

Three uncapped players have been picked by Spain to bolster the World Cup champions’ depleted defence for their upcoming Euro 2012 qualifying match.

Without injured Barcelona pair Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol, as well as Athletic Bilbao full-back Andoni Iraiola, coach Vicente Del Bosque has called up Atletico Madrid central half Alvaro Dominguez, Sporting Gijon defender Alberto Botia and Barcelona B player Martin Montoya to fill in.

Spain play Chile in a friendly in Geneva on 2 September before taking on Liechtenstein in a Euro 2012 qualifying Group I match at Logrono four days later. They play Scotland the following month as the qualifying process reaches its climax.

Del Bosque preferred to give some of Spain’s Under-21 players – coming off a European Championship victory – experience than to turn to veterans.

“There are some new names in the list but that doesn’t mean we’re eliminating others like (Carlos) Marchena and (Joan) Capdevila from future squads,” Del Bosque said.

Spain lead Group I with five wins from five games, six points ahead of the Czech Republic.

The rest of Spain’s regulars were in the 24-man squad, with nine Barcelona players named, including Cesc Fabregas.