Arsenal midfielder Francesc Fabregas along with Villarreal's Brazilian-born midfielder Marcos Senna have both been given their first call-ups for Spain 'Furia Roja' by Luis Aragones in the 22-strong squad for the friendly against Ivory Coast on March 1.

The 18-year-old Fabregas, who was brought in to Highbury to replace Patrick Vieira by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is being groomed as the replacement for Barcelona playmaker Xavi whose presence at the World Cup is in jeopardy because of a serious knee ligament injury.

“Although Cesc is young, after a year and a half in the Arsenal first team he has emerged as a very important player for his club and he has also performed well for the under-21s,” Aragones told reporters a news conference.

“He's probably the player who closest resembles Xavi in terms of being able to hold on to the ball and he's also got an eye for goal.

Senna, who has dual Spanish nationality, has been in excellent form for his club side, Villarreal in the last two seasons, helping his side to a third-place finish in the Primera Liga last term, and to a place in the last 16 of the Champions League in their first appearance.

“I've spoken to Senna and he has made it clear that he wants to play for Spain, and feels Spanish,” said Luis Aragones.

“He brings us some important strengths such as his hard work and ability to organise the midfield and he's got a good shot on him too.”

Deportivo Coruna left back Joan Capdevila and Real Madrid midfielder Guti were recalled by coach Luis Aragones, but Chelsea defender Asier del Horno, sent off on Wednesday in the Champions League for a foul against Barcelona’s Messi, has been excluded.

Spain’s captain, and top-scorer Raul was also left out of the squad as he has not yet played a full match for Real Madrid since returning from a three-month injury lay-off because of a knee injury.

Apart from the two new recruits, Aragones has retained the core of the squad that earned Spain a place at the World Cup after a playoff victory against Slovakia.

Liverpool have four players called up, with Fernando Morientes, hat-trick hero Luis Garcia, Xabi Alonso and Pepe Reina all getting the call. Real Madrid and Valencia also contribute four players each to the squad, although defender Carles Puyol is the only representative from league leaders Barcelona.

Spain will host the African Nations Cup runners-up and fellow World Cup qualifiers Ivory Coast in Valladolid on Wednesday.

Spain are also scheduled to play the African Nations Cup champions Egypt, Russia and either Croatia or Slovenia as part of their preparations for the World Cup in Germany where they have been draw alongside Ukraine, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia in Group H.

Spain squad to face Ivory Coast (team to be chosen from):

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Pepe Reina (Liverpool)

Defenders: Carles Puyol (Barcelona), Carlos Marchena (Valencia), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Pablo Ibanez (Atletico Madrid), Juanito (Real Betis), Michel Salgado (Real Madrid), Joan Capdevilla (Deportivo Coruna), Antonio Lopez (Atletico Madrid),

Midfielders: Xabi Alonso (Liverpool), Luis Garcia (Liverpool), David Albelda (Valencia), Marcos Senna (Villarreal), Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal), Ruben Baraja (Valencia), Guti (Real Madrid), Joaquin (Real Betis)

Strikers: Fernando Torres (Atletico Madrid), David Villa (Valencia), Jose Antonio Reyes (Arsenal), Fernando Morientes (Liverpool)