Fabergas gets first Spain call

Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas has earned a call-up by Spain coach Luis Aragones for a get-together at the start of next week.

The meeting will take place in Madrid on December 12 and will feature the players Aragones is considering for next summer’s World Cup.

Fabregas has been a regular with the Spain Under-21 squad, and this is the first time he has been included in the senior party, with Aragones naming a 33-man pool.

Liverpool’s Luis Garcia, Fernando Morientes, Jose Reina and Xabi Alonso have been included as a gesture, although the European champions’ FIFA Club World Championship commitments mean they will be exempt from attending.

News of the call-up for Fabregas shows Aragones has been keeping a close eye on the 18-year-old’s progress at Highbury.

Fabregas also scored against England last November for the Spain Under-21 side - and was a leading figure at the World Under-17 Championships last summer.

There is competition in Spain’s midfield from the likes of Xabi Alonso, Ruben Baraja, David Albelda and Xavi, but speaking last week, Fabregas expressed hope he could earn a late call.

He declared in Arsenal’s match programme: “Everyone thinks about the World Cup, even me. You never know. I didn’t expect to play so many games for Arsenal last season, so why not?

“You just have to believe in yourself, to work hard, keep playing like that and stay focused.”

He added: “The [Spain] boss has said I am still young, and that is his opinion, but I am playing for Arsenal and I am making assists for Thierry Henry.

“Of course, I know I am young and I respect his opinion, but I will try to work hard to get into the full team.

“I’m in the Under-21s and I’m 18. But I’m working really hard and if the national coach can see the way I play and thinks I can get an opportunity, it would be brilliant.”

Fabregas only made his Premiership debut at the start of last season, but went on to make 46 appearances in all competitions during his first full campaign.