Lopetegui confirms Iniesta’s availability for Sevilla clash

CAIRO – 3 November 2017: Spain national team manager Julen Lopetegui revealed that Barcelona captain Andres Iniesta is ready for Barcelona’s upcoming clash against Sevilla on Saturday.

“I spoke with him. Yesterday he trained without problems, and he will be with his team this weekend," Lopetegui told press on Friday.

Iniesta had missed Barcelona’s last two games due to a hamstring injury – the first one against Athletic Bilbao in the Spanish League, which ended 2-1 for Barcelona, and the second against Olympiacos in the UEFA Champions League, which ended in a goalless draw.

Lopetegui added, “For that reason, we have decided to call him up."

Spain prepares for two friendly games against Costa Rica on November 11 and Russia on November 14.

Iniesta has had a great run with the Spanish national team since Lopetegui became the national team coach. He had a great partnership in the midfield with Sergio Busquets and Francisco Alaracon, known as Isco.

Spain qualified to the 2018 World Cup in Russia, as they topped their group in the qualifiers with 28 points – five points ahead of the second-placed team, Italy.