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Isco also out of Spain squad as De Marcos looks ahead to 'big test'

Xinhua, November 12, 2015 Adjust font size:

Real Madrid midfielder Isco was allowed to leave the preparation of the Spanish national team ahead of their games against England and Belgian as the result of a muscle injury.

Isco, along with FC Barcelona's Andres Iniesta had failed to finish Tuesday's training session as a result of his problems and on Wednesday, unlike Iniesta, returned to his club to complete his recovery.

With the 'Clasico' between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona next on the agenda for both clubs and with Sergio Ramos also out of the Spain squad, but likely to face Barca in 10 days, that is unlikely to please Barca fans, given that no Real Madrid player is now on international duty with Spain.

Meanwhile Oscar de Marcos, who was called into the squad for the first time, expressed his satisfaction at receiving Del Bosque's call on his day off.

"At the end we are seeing how players from a lot of teams are called up, but in the ends that in sides such as Real Madrid, Barca and Atletico Madrid, there are quality players and it is normal for them to be called up," said the versatile defender.

Del Marcos admitted he can "play in almost any position," but now plays at right back. He thanked former Athletic Club Bilbao team-mate Andoni Iriola for teaching him defensive discipline.

"I used to copy him and that was a big help," he said.

Finally De Marcos said the forthcoming friendly matches were a "difficult test," adding that against sides such as England and Belgium, there was "no such thing as a friendly."

The game against England will be played at 20:45 local time in Spain in Alicante. Endit