Euskal Selekzioa – Tunisia preview

Wednesday 28th December 2011 20:45 local time live on eitb.com

The Tunisians are this year’s invitees to the annual Basque Christmas game.

José María Amorrortu has announced his first squad as new Basque national team manager.

The players are mainly drawn from Athletic and Real Sociedad with only a few playing outside of the Basque Country.

Notable absences include Javi Martínez, Muniain, Ander, De Marcos (likely excused from duty to rest), Monreal, Kike Sola and Raúl Garcia. Aduriz was initially not called up but is a late addition after being released from Valencia.

Pantxi Sirieix is the only foreign based player, he is also the only French-Basque called up. Igor Gabilondo will break Julen Gurrero and Joseba Etxeberria’s cap record if he plays – all three have 11 caps.

Squad in full:

Goalkeepers: Gorka Iraizoz (Athletic) and Asier Riesgo (Osasuna).

Defenders: Andoni Iraola, Mikel San José, Fernando Amorebieta, Jon Aurtenetxe (all Athletic), Carlos Martínez, Íñigo Martínez and Mikel González (all Real Sociedad).

Midfielders: Ander Iturraspe, Markel Susaeta, Igor Gabilondo (all Athletic), Mikel Aranburu, Xabi Prieto, David Zurutuza (all Real Sociedad), Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Mikel Rico (Granada), Beñat Etxebarria (Betis), Pantxi Sirieix (Toulouse) and José Javier Barkero (Levante).

Forwards: Gaizka Toquero (Athletic), Imanol Agirretxe (Real Sociedad) and Aritz Aduriz (Valencia)

Possible lineup:

Gorka

Iraola – Iñigo Martínez – Amorebieta – Aurtenetxe

Xabi Prieto - Xabi Alonso – Beñat – Gabilondo

Agirretxe – Aduriz

Category: Andoni Iraola, Aritz Aduriz, Fernando Amorebieta, Gaizka Toquero, Gorka Irazoiz, Jon Aurtenetxe, Markel Susaeta, Mikel San José, San Mames, euskal selekzioa