Coach Luis Enrique on Friday named Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Adama Traore in the Spain squad, three days after he was also called up by Mali.
Traore, who was born in Barcelona to Malian parents, has been at the centre of a tug-of-war between the two federations over the past 18 months.
He can still represent either nation as he has not yet played senior international football.
The winger was selected for last month’s fixtures against Germany and Ukraine, but was forced to withdraw from the squad following a positive COVID-19 test.
“Touch wood he can play this time as it’s his third call-up,” Enrique said when asked about Traore.
“I really want to see him in a Spain shirt. Regarding the call-up he’s received from Mali, it’s up to him. As far as I’m aware, he wants to play for us, but it’s his decision and we’ll always respect players’ decisions on these things.”
Traore has made no public statement on the double call-up, although football analysts expect him to go with Spain.
There have been several cases recently of African countries calling up high profile Europe-based players, who have dual nationality, without prior consultation.
They then get embarrassed when the players failed to turn up.
There was also a recall in the Spanish squad for Arsenal’s on-loan midfielder Dani Ceballos, while under-fire Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga retains his spot in the squad.
But there was no room for Atletico Madrid’s Saul Niguez or Real Madrid midfielder Isco, while Liverpool new boy Thiago Alcantara was absent after testing positive for COVID-19.
Dani Carvajal was initially selected but withdrew later on Friday with a knee problem that is likely to sideline the Real Madrid defender for two months.
He was replaced by FC Barcelona’s Sergi Roberto.
Levante midfielder Jose Campana was the only new name in the 25-man squad.
It also contains names such as Barca wonder-kid Ansu Fati, Tottenham Hotspur new boy Sergio Reguilon and Manchester City trio Eric Garcia, Ferran Torres and Rodri.
They have been called up for their friendly against Portugal on Wednesday and two UEFA Nations League clashes against Switzerland on Oct. 10 and Ukraine on Oct. 13.
Spain squad:
Goalkeepers: David De Gea, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Unai Simon.
Defenders: Jesus Navas, Sergi Roberto, Sergio Ramos, Pau Torres, Eric Garcia, Diego Llorente, Jose Gaya, Sergio Reguilon.
Midfielders: Sergio Busquets, Rodri, Fabian Ruiz, Mikel Merino, Dani Ceballos, Sergio Canales, Jose Campana.
Forwards: Rodrigo, Mikel Oyarzabal, Ansu Fati, Gerard Moreno, Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres, Adama Traore.
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Edited By: Olawale Alabi)
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