Spain coach looks to youth to cover for injured regulars

Spanish national team coach Luis Enrique gave surprise call ups to FC Barcelona's 17-year-old midfielder Gavi and Villarreal's Yeremi for his side's forthcoming UEFA Nations League games, reported Xinhua.

Spain will play Italy in the semifinal of the tournament on October 6 before either playing the final or third and fourth place game against either France or Belgium for days later.

The coach has to contend with a long list of injuries to players such as strikers Alvaro Morata and Gerard Moreno, as well as other regulars such as Dani Olmo, Thiago Alcantara, Jordi Alba, Carlos Soler, Jose Luis Gaya and Dani Carvajal.

He has responded by calling up Pedro Martin Paez Gavira, or 'Gavi,' who only celebrated his 17th birthday in August and who has made just seven appearances in the Barcelona first team.

"When you see his performances at this level it is surprising. I have seen him for several years in the Barca youth system and I have no doubt about his performances. It's a shame when players get injured, but it gives me a chance to try others," explained Luis Enrique.

"He has a lot to learn, but he will give enough with and without the ball for me to call him up," added the coach.

Villarreal's 18-year-old Yeremi Pino also makes the squad after a series of impressive displays for his club over the past year, including one which saw him become the youngest Spanish player to start a major European final last season when he played in the Europa League final against Manchester United.

Barca's 18-year-old Pedri also returns to the squad after the coach allowed him to rest during the last international break.