Lopetegui includes Pique in Spain squad for Albania and Israel games

Spain coach Julen Lopetegui has included Gerard Pique in his squad for the upcoming games against Albania (Oct 6) and Israel (Oct 9), matchers which are decisive in La Roja's hopes of qualifying automatically for the World Cup. 

During his press conference, Lopetegui tried to focus on "two really important games," the large part of the questions were about Pique and his inclusion after voicing his support for the Catalan independence referendum on Oct 1. 

"I judge players on their attitude, their committment and their performances. That's why Pique's in and why everyone else is in. We're delighted with him, we won't talk about other things," Lopetegui said. 

"On Monday, Gerard will train with us and will form part of the group, as always." 

Lopetegui also refused to indulge the debate between Pique and Ramos, with the Real Madrid captain suggesting Pique shouldn't have commented on the referendum. 

As well as Pique, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta are also included in the Spain squad. There's no place for Gerard Deulofeu, though, who drops out having been involved last time. 

"He's not played much for his team this month," reasoned Lopetegui, who also left out Sergi Roberto. 

Former Barça players Pedro Rodriguez (Chelsea), Marc Bartra (Borussia Dortmund) and Thiago Alcántara (Bayern Munich) are also involved. 

FULL SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Kepa (Athletic), De Gea (Manchester United), Reina (Nápoles).

Defenders: Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Carvajal (Real Madrid), Nacho (Real Madrid), Piqué (Barcelona), Ramos (Real Madrid), Bartra (Borussia Dortmund), Monreal (Arsenal), Jordi Alba (Barcelona).

Midfielders: Saúl (Atlético), Busquets (Barcelona), Illarramendi (Real Sociedad), Koke (Atlético), Iniesta (Barcelona), Thiago (Bayern), Isco (Real Madrid), Marco Asensio (Real Madrid).

Forwards: Pedro (Chelsea), Callejón (Nápoles), Silva (Manchester City), Morata (Chelsea), Iago Aspas (Celta), Rodrigo Moreno (Valencia).