FIFA World Cup 2018: Spain XI that will not be playing in Russia

Fullbacks: Hector Bellerin and Marcos Alonso

Bellerin has been left out while his Arsenal teammate Nacho Monreal has made the cut

It is no secret that Spain’s first choice fullbacks are Dani Carvajal and Jordi Alba, so the only question was which players will travel to Russia as the backup brigade and the honour went to Álvaro Odriozola of Real Sociedad and Nacho Monreal of Arsenal.

While one of Arsenal’s Spanish fullbacks, Nacho Monreal, made the cut, the other, Hector Bellerin, has been left out. The former La Masia player made 47 appearances for the Gunners this season, which is the most he has made for the Gunners in a single season but his erratic form has drawn criticism at times.

Marcos Alonso made his Spain debut during the international break in March

The left-back position in this left out XI also goes to a Premier League full-back from another London giant - Marcos Alonso.

Alonso was called up to the Spain squad in March for the very first time and made his debut during the same international break against Argentina in a 6-1 friendly. Interestingly, Nacho Monreal was left out from that squad and yet, the Arsenal man has earned his place in the World Cup squad after a terrific season for Arsenal while Alonso misses out despite being named in the PFA Team of the Year.