Man United's Herrera called into Spain squad

Madrid - Spain coach Julen Lopetegui is adding Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera to his squad for World Cup qualifiers against Italy and Albania.

The 27-year-old Herrera will be making his debut with the Spanish national team after Bayern Munich's Javi Martinez was ruled out because of a muscle injury in his left leg.

Spain plays against Italy in Turin on Thursday and Albania three days later.

Spain will be seeking to avenge a loss to Italy at the European Championship that ended its bid for a third consecutive continental title.

The 2-0 loss to Italy at Euro 2016 marked the end of Vicente del Bosque's long and successful stint as Spain's manager.

Lopetegui has since been tasked with rejuvenating a team that won the 2010 World Cup and 2008 and 2012 European Championships.