The Spain national football team forward has been sidelined since suffering a torn left hamstring during FC Barcelona’s match on April 22, but head coach Luis de la Fuente remains optimistic about his recovery ahead of the tournament.
Speaking after unveiling the squad, De la Fuente expressed confidence that all injured players would be ready in time for Spain’s opening game.
Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, who has also struggled with a hamstring problem in recent weeks, was equally included in the squad.
One of the biggest surprises from the announcement is the absence of any Real Madrid CF player in Spain’s World Cup squad — the first time this has happened in the nation’s history at the tournament. Defenders Dean Huijsen and Dani Carvajal failed to make the final list.
Mikel Merino earned a recall after returning from a lengthy injury lay-off during Arsenal’s final Premier League fixture of the season.
He joins fellow England-based players David Raya, Martin Zubimendi, Pedro Porro, Marc Cucurella, Rodri and Yeremy Pino in the squad.
Uncapped defenders Eric Garcia and Marc Pubill were also handed call-ups after impressive performances for Barcelona and Atletico Madrid respectively.
Meanwhile, Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez will miss the tournament after suffering a broken foot injury.
Spain will begin their World Cup journey against Cape Verde national football team on June 15 before facing Saudi Arabia national football team and Uruguay national football team in Group H.