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MADRID, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Spain coach Julen Lopetegui has called Athletic Club Bilbao goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga into his squad for the forthcoming World Cup qualifying game at home to Israel and the following friendly game away to France.
The 22-year-old, who was with the Spain Under-21 squad, is to substitute Pepe Reina, who was injured on Tuesday.
Kepa will join Manchester United goalkeeper, David de Gea and Sevilla's Sergio Rico in the squad, as part of his impressive progress.
A product of the Athletic youth system, Kepa spent two years with the Athletic B-team before loan spells with second division sides Ponferradina and Valladolid completed his progression.
This season saw him return to Athletic, where he is now first choice ahead of the experienced Gorka Iraizoz and only an inopportune thigh injury in January has slowed his progression, while the club is working on a new contract to tie him down until at least 2022.
