Stars missing in Qatar

Mohammed Salah (Egypt)

The Egyptian icon Mohammed Salah will miss the World Cup in Qatar after his side failed to qualify for the mega event following their defeat to Senegal in penalties in the qualifying round final. Salah, one of the most influential footballers in the world, was the Premier League’s top-scorer last season and led his side to win the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.

Sergio Ramos (Spain)

Spain national team coach Luis Enrique left Sergio Ramos, who has 180 caps for Spain, the highest for the nation, at home as his side went to Qatar. Ramos had been struggling with his injuries last season, but he returned to form this season as PSG have not lost a single match when Ramos started for them. Lucho’s choice of Hugo Guillamon over Ramos has left the fans stunned as he missed the opportunity to represent his nation for the fifth time at the global event.

Erling Haaland (Norway)

Erling Haaland is the most in-form striker in Europa this year as he has scored goals for fun in his first season for Manchester City in the Premier League. He is currently the PL’s highest goal-scorer, having scored 18 goals in just 13 appearances. As Norway failed to qualify for the World Cup, the striker, along with Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard, will have to enjoy the tournament from home.

Roberto Firmino (Brazil)

Brazil Coach Tite has left out Firmino for the World Cup. The Liverpool forward has been a key player in the Brazilian team for a long time, but as the younger forwards like Rodrygo, Gabriel Martinelli, and Pedro have been in terrific form, Tite chose to leave Firmino out. Firmino has scored seven goals in the Premier League this season for Liverpool.

Jorginho (Italy)

It’s an upset for the fans that the four-time world Champions Italy could not qualify for the World Cup. The Chelsea midfielder had said it’s saddening that the European Champions had to qualify for the grandest event through the qualifiers, but they only have themselves to blame as they were knocked out by North Macedonia from the qualifiers.

Thiago Alcantara (Spain)

Thiago is a master of the art of passing and is one of the most prolific midfielders in the world. While he has struggled with injuries this season, whenever he has played, he has helped Liverpool find some form in a tumultuous season. Prior to that, he was a key player for Liverpool reaching the Champions League final last season. His inclusion was expected as Spain lack a controller with some flair in the midfield, but Enrique opted for a more versatile option in Marcos Llorente in the Spain World Cup squad.