Ramos, Thiago & Borja Iglesias: The Spain players not going to Qatar

Not everyone can go and Luis Enrique had to choose only 26 players for the World Cup in Qatar. The coach ruled out several illustrious names that had been rumoured to have a chance. Luis Enrique did not want to go into details why, but he made it clear that he has taken most of the players who have been regulars recently and are in good physical condition. Neither Sergio Ramos nor the retired Gerard Piqué are going to the World Cup.

The most surprising absences are the following. In goal, two Premier League goalkeepers who could have been options like David de Gea (Man United) or Kepa (Chelsea) will not go. The two had been important in the past, but they are not for Luis Enrique.

As for defenders, the coach left out the veterans. Sergio Ramos is not going despite the fact that he is having a great season with PSG. Piqué will not go either despite the rumours. And there are also some painful absences like that of Marcos Alonso, who had been a regular, and that of Alejandro Balde. The coach meditated until the last minute on taking him because of his excellent form, but finally he has opted for more experience.

In midfield, there are a few surprises, with some big names left out. Thiago Alcántara, who started in the last European Championship, and Canales will not go. Nor will the Real Sociedad players Mikel Merino or Brais Mendes.

The forward line provided surprises. Luis Enrique has always had many doubts up front due to the lack of natural born center forwards in Spain. And he has dropped Borja Iglesias, who had minutes in the last break, and obviously Raúl de Tomás, who has not played after his departure from Espanyol. Neither were there late calls for Gerard Moreno or Oyarzábal, due to injuries, or Iago Aspas.