As countries participating in the 2022 FIFA World Cup announce their final squads, FARPost looks at 10 big names who are not going to Qatar for various reasons.
Injuries, loss of form and retirement are some of the reasons some players have been omitted as Sunday, 13 November – the deadline for submitting the final squad approaches.
FARPost journalist Lucia Tlalane looks at 10 big misses for Qatar 2022.
Toni Kroos
The Germany midfielder will be missed at this year’s edition following his retirement from international football after the 2020 EUROS. Hans Flick’s relatively new midfield, which he has been developing during the Nations League and FIFA World Cup qualifiers, will be put to the ultimate test.
Paul Pogba
The French midfielder has yet to play for Juventus since joining on a free transfer from Manchester United. He had been ruled out of the trip to Qatar, but he appears to be making steady progress. France has announced a 25-man squad, with one spot open for another player. Rumours have circulated in the French media that Didier Deschamps is waiting until the last minute to see if Pogba can board the plane.
The player has been posting videos on Instagram of himself dancing and moving his injured leg, and from the short clips, he appears to be in no pain. Although he is not on the official squad list, it would not be surprising if he made it to Qatar. This is one to keep an eye out for.
Sergio Ramos
The PSG defence stalwart has been a pillar of the Spanish national team for over a decade. He rose to prominence as a no-nonsense defender for both Spain and Real Madrid. His leadership, passion, and outbursts, frequently landed him in hot water with referees, became synonymous with his game.
However, injuries have not been kind to him, and he played a handful of games for PSG last season. He has seen more games this season, however. Luis Enrique prefers the defensive pairing of Aymeric Laporte and Pau Torres. Eric Garcia’s emergence has also aided him because he no longer relies on veterans.
Reece James
Gareth Southgate informed the Chelsea defender of his exclusion from the FIFA World Cup squad. James was injured during a UEFA Champions League match against AC Milan at San Siro. He underwent a rehabilitation program and worked with club doctors to recover on time, but his manager would not risk it.
James has expressed his disappointment at being unable to attend the World Cup. He said he understood the risks of going to Qatar, but it was a risk he was willing to take, but he still respects Southgate’s decision.
Roberto Firmino
Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino took to social media to express his disappointment at being left out of the Brazilian team, saying that while playing in the World Cup is a dream, it is one he has already lived. He wished his countrymen the best. Firmino has not been at his best for the Premier League giants, but many expected Tite to overlook form and take him for his experience because of his stature and what he brings to the pitch.
However, the Brazilian coach has chosen to put his faith in Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus. Richarlison has also played as a number nine, so Brazil is genuinely blessed with options. The South Americans’ other attacking options are Neymar, Vinicius Jr., Raphinha, Antony, Gabriel Martinelli, Rodrigo Goes, and Pedro.
David de Gea
After a disastrous performance in Russia in 2018, de Gea’s international future was uncertain. Spain was eliminated in the round of penalties by the host country, and de Gea did not stop a single one. The Manchester United goalie made several errors in the group games, the most notable of which was against Portugal. Spain lost three points as a result of two errors.
Despite the storm brewing with the media and fans, Luis Enrique chose to back his keeper, but with never-ending mistakes, he could no longer support him and dropped him from the EURO squad.
Of course, there have been questions about whether he fits Enrique’s playing style and is at ease with the ball on his feet. His distribution has also been questioned. Enrique has chosen three goalkeepers: Unai Simon, Roberto Sanchez, and David Raya.
Jadon Sancho
Sancho is perhaps the most disappointing of them all. His fall from grace is heartbreaking. It seems like an eternity ago that he was tearing it up in the German league, posing a dribbling threat to defenders. Since joining Manchester United, he has been a shadow of his former self, unable to replicate his Bundesliga form.
It’s been a jumble of different managers, all of whom seem to need to learn how to use him. Sancho must also accept responsibility for his poor performance. When Erik ten Hag took over, there were high hopes that he would kick-start his career, but he now appears to have fallen down the pecking order with the arrival of Brazilian winger Antony. Fortunately, he is still young and has time to turn things around.
Mo Salah
Mohammed Salah will be one of the notable absentees in Qatar. Egypt failed to secure a place and was eliminated by Senegal.
Joel Matip
After Cameroon booked a ticket to Qatar, the Liverpool defender made himself available for selection. His hopes were quickly dashed by Cameroon football federation [FECAFOOT] president Samuel Eto’o, who insisted only those who earned the qualification would travel to Qatar.
Matip announced his retirement from international duty in 2017, citing the FECAFOOT’s chaos. His sudden availability for the FIFA World Cup was hypocritical. Cameroon’s squad has been announced, and there is no Matip, as Eto’o predicted.
Fikayo Tomori
Tomori had been trending on social media all day after England announced their final squad, and he was absent. Despite being one of Serie A’s best defenders and winning the Scudetto with AC Milan, he has been consistently overlooked by England’s manager.
When asked about Tomori’s exclusion, Southgate stated that the young defenders have not done enough to displace players like Harry Maguire.
