Top 5 players who might not get selected for their respective sides at the 2022 FIFA World Cup
In just about eight months from now, the stage will be set for football's biggest tournament of all - the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The majority of the 32-team line-up will be confirmed within a few days, bringing World Cup qualification to a close. Qatar will host the 2022 World Cup. The competition will be staged for the first time in the Middle East.
Getting into your national side's roster at the World Cup is a dream for any footballer, let alone playing and lifting the coveted trophy. With a plethora of competition among players within their respective countries, there come many chances when a talented player doesn't find his place in the squad.
In this article, we will look at five such players who, owing to their poor form or struggles with injuries, are likely to not get a nod for their national sides at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
#5. Roberto Firmino (Brazil)
Once undroppable for both club and country, Roberto Firmino is seemingly less important to Jurgen Klopp and Tite these days. Injuries have held him back this season but the Brazilian attacker's output has gradually declined over the last four years.
With Diego Jota's emergence as one of the Premier League's best forwards at Anfield, sustaining a regular starting spot is far from easy. Firmino has been left out of Brazil's last two squads in the World Cup Qualifying stages despite being fit to play.
O que a torcida brasileira fez no Maraca ontem foi coisa de outro mundo! Só nos resta agradecer e aplaudir 👏🙏
Fotos: Lucas Figueiredo / CBF https://t.co/6j6HTR5qHZ
With Matthew Cunha and Rafinha recently breaking into the national setup, and more experienced players like Philippe Coutinho also coming back, the Seleção forward line is stacked.
Tite, who is hoping to end a 20-year wait for football's ultimate prize, is feeling the pressure to pick the right players. Despite Everton's recent struggles, Richarlison made the latest squad and even scored in a 4-0 win over Chile on Friday.
With Gabriel Jesus also not making the cut, Firmino's prospects don't look particularly bright right now.
#4. Fabian Ruiz (Spain)
Rarely is there space in the Spanish midfield. While the production of top-class central operators did slow down during the 2010s, La Roja once again have a plethora of talent in the middle of the park. The emergence of teenage prodigies Pedri and Gavi has spiced up the midfield, with Thiago Alcantara not even making the squad since Euro 2020.
Napoli star Fabian Ruiz has also suffered the same fate and may well be less likely than Thiago to work his way back into Luis Enrique's plans ahead of Qatar.
Fabián Ruiz are at the top of the #Arsenal wish list for midfield #8 position.
10 G/A from midfield in 31 games this season.
Contract expiring in June 2023. 👀 https://t.co/NIdBwnNxqX
In November 2021, reports emerged that Ruiz had fallen out of favor with the coach due to his inability to follow tactical instructions. It is something that could prove fatal for his hopes of going to the tournament.
However, considering he is enjoying his finest season yet in Serie A, Enrique could miss a trick by leaving out the 25-year old. Ruiz has a total of nine goals and assists this term. Winning the Scudetto may make the former Roma boss sit up and take notice. But otherwise, it is going to be tough for Ruiz to win his place back in the national setup.