Vazquez replaces injured Vitolo in Spain squad

Real Madrid forward Lucas Vazquez has been called up to the Spain squad to replace Vitolo, who has a knee injury.

Vitolo, who is on loan at Las Palmas ahead of finalising a move to Atletico Madrid in January, suffered minor medial ligament damage during training on Sunday.

“Yesterday morning in training, the player suffered a strain in the medial collateral ligament of his knee,” the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) said in a statement on Monday.

“After consultation with the medical services of his club and those of the RFEF, the player will leave the squad this evening.”

Vitolo has established himself as a key figure in Julen Lopetegui’s squad, scoring four goals in five appearances in World Cup qualifying.

The 2010 world champions face Italy in their latest Group G match on Saturday before a trip to Liechtenstein next Tuesday.

 OFICIAL | @Lucasvazquez91 suplirá a @VitoloMachin en la convocatoria para los partidos ante Italia y Liechtensteinhttps://t.co/AuuElJhTmS pic.twitter.com/IdAg1f1hzy

— Selección Española (@SeFutbol) August 28, 2017