Arsenal’s Cristhian Mosquera called up by Spain – but could still play at World Cup for another country

Arsenal defender Cristhian Mosquera has received his first call-up to the senior Spain squad.

Mosquera, who has 14 caps for Spain Under-21s, has impressed since joining Arsenal from Valencia in a £13million deal last summer.

Getty

The 21-year-old has featured 21 times under Mikel Arteta, but has largely provided cover for first-choice centre-backs pairing William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.

He was rewarded for his efforts on Friday when Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente named the defender in his 27-man squad for the upcoming double header against Serbia and Egypt.

There had been questions over whether Mosquera would represent Spain at senior level or switch his allegiance to Colombia – the birthplace of his parents.

Reporters claimed the former Valencia star, who holds a Colombian passport, could switch nations in order to earn a spot at this summer’s World Cup.

But now he has the opportunity to go to the showpiece tournament with the reigning European champions.

“Mosquera is committed, the Under-21 captain, who wants to play for Spain,” De la Fuente said during his squad announcement on Friday. “He is having a good season with Arsenal.”

In an interview with The Athletic in October, Mosquera said: “When I was 14 or 15, Spain contacted me. “At that time, I don’t remember having any conversations with Colombia.

“For now, I’ve continued my normal process with Spain. But I’m not closing any doors on anyone. I try to carry on with my day-to-day life at my club and let the doors open when they need to open.”

He could be in line to make his debut later this month alongside Arsenal teammates, David Raya and Martin Zubimendi.

A trio of debutants

Mosquera joins three other new faces in the Spain squad in Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia, Real Sociedad forward Ander Barrenetxea and Osasuna winger Victor Munoz.

Getty

Barcelona gem Lamine Yamal will be hoping to continue his excellent form off the back of his display in the 7-2 win over Newcastle in midweek.

The 18-year-old has scored 21 goals and registered 16 assists this season for the Catalan giants.

Dean Huijsen is the only representative from Real Madrid.

Los Blancos full-back Dani Carvajal is working his way back to full fitness after recovering from an ACL injury, however his game time under boss Alvaro Arbeloa has been minimal.

“I don’t have to say anything to Arbeloa,” De la Fuente said.

“I have complete respect for him. I hope Dani will regain his Euro 2024 form. We miss him, and he’s very important. He has to keep working. He knows that, just like Álvaro Morata.

Getty

“They need to play, get back to their usual level, and then they’ll be with us.”

Meanwhile, Tottenham’s Pedro Porro, Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella, Manchester City midfielder Rodri and Crystal Palace winger Yeremy Pino are the other Premier League stars included in the squad.

Spain squad for March internationals

Goalkeepers: Unai Simon (Athletic Club), David Raya (Arsenal), Alex Remiro (Real Sociedad), Joan Garcia (Barcelona).

Defenders: Marcos Llorente (Atletico Madrid), Pedro Porro (Tottenham Hotspur), Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Club), Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona), Dean Huijsen (Real Madrid), Cristhian Mosquera (Arsenal), Marc Cucurella (Chelsea), Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen).

Midfielders: Rodri (Manchester City), Martin Zubimendi (Arsenal), Pedri (Barcelona), Pablo Fornals (Real Betis), Carlos Soler (Real Sociedad), Dani Olmo (Barcelona), Fermin Lopez (Barcelona).

Forwards: Yeremy Pino (Crystal Palace), Alex Baena (Atletico Madrid), Ander Barrenetxea (Real Sociedad), Victor Munoz (Osasuna), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Ferran Torres (Barcelona), Borja Iglesias (Celta), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona).