Returning heroes strengthen Spain's hand

Spain have named a strong squad for their UEFA European Under-21 Championship play-off against Switzerland with coach Juan Ramón López Caro calling on some big names for the double-header.

Returnees
FC Barcelona's Bojan Krkić is back in attack after the 18-year-old made his senior debut last month in the FIFA World Cup qualifier against Armenia. Midfielder Raúl García, Club Atlético de Madrid's midweek match-winner against Olympique de Marseille in the UEFA Champions League, also returns after missing through suspension last month's win against Russia. Esteban Granero, Miguel Torres, Javi García and Gerard Piqué are available after one-match bans, while Real Racing Club striker Jonathan Pereira is retained having been a late call-up last time around.

Cause for confidence
Having finished the qualifying round with eight wins from as many Group 4 games, Spain can approach with confidence their encounter with the frontrunners from Group 5. Switzerland will have home advantage in Aarau on 11 October before the tie concludes in Lorca three days later.

Spain squad
Goalkeepers: Roberto Jiménez Gago (RC Recreativo de Huelva), Sergio Asenjo (Real Valladolid CF).
Defenders: Gerard Piqué (FC Barcelona), Miguel Torres (Real Madrid CF), César Azpilicuenta (CA Osasuna), Chico (UD Almería), Javi Martínez (Athletic Club Bilbao).
Midfielders: Raúl García (Club Atlético de Madrid), Sergi Busquets (FC Barcelona), Javi García (Real Madrid CF), Sinisio González (RC Recreativo de Huelva), José Ángel Crespo (Sevilla FC), Dani Parejo (Queen’s Park Rangers FC), Esteban Granero (Getafe CF), José Manuel Jurado (RCD Mallorca).
Forwards: Bojan Krkić (FC Barcelona), Pedro (FC Barcelona), Jonathan Pereira (Real Racing Club), Xisco (Newcastle United FC), Juan Manuel Mata (Valencia CF).