Fabregas and Azpilicueta left out of Spain squad

The Chelsea duo have not been included in Julen Lopetegui’s side for their World Cup qualifiers against Italy and Albania, while Jose Callejon has been called up

Spain coach Julen Lopetegui has left Cesc Fabregas and Cesar Azpilicueta out of his squad for next month’s World Cup qualifiers against Italy and Albania.

Fabregas, who has struggled to make himself a regular fixture for Chelsea so far this season, was not included in Lopetegui’s maiden squad in August.

His Chelsea team-mate Azpilicueta, 27, was named in the side but has been dropped for Spain’s latest round of fixtures.

Elsewhere in-form Napoli star Jose Callejon has been called up to represent his country.

Callejon has not featured for La Rioja since a pair of substitute appearances in 2014 but has been in superb form this season, with five goals in six Serie A appearances.

Real Madrid defender Nacho and Sevilla goalkeeper Sergio Rico are also in having missed out on Lopetegui’s first squad for the September internationals against Belgium and Liechtenstein, while Barcelona captain Andres Iniesta is back from injury.

Isco returns to the national team fold despite playing just 54 La Liga minutes for Madrid this season.