Javi Martinez makes his triumphant return to the Spanish national team

Javier Martinez and Thiago Alcantara will join the Spain national team for their September friendlies against Belgium and Licentenstein next week.

For Javi Martinez, this is his triumphant return. The dynamic centerback has been absent from the Spanish national team since World Cup 2014 due to injury plagued season after injury plagued season. This is his moment to show Spain both what a key piece they’ve been missing in their backline and defensive midfield the last two years and impress new head coach Julien Lopetegui.

For Thiago, this is yet another in a series of call-ups and an increasing presence in the Spanish national team. After their disappointing performance at Euro 2016, this may prove to be the point where Thiago starts to earns the greater share of the midfield minutes for Spain after receiving just 26 before Spain’s Round of 16 exist.