The unexpected reason Sergio Ramos doesn’t know if he’ll go to Qatar 2022

David de Gea and Sergio Ramos have been stalwarts in the Spain national side for a long time. But they are both in real danger of missing the final cut for Luis Enrique’s squad as the 2010 World Champions head to Qatar later this month. Ramos and De Gea have racked up over 200 international appearances between them.

Despite playing for Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain, it seems Enrique is trying to focus on the next generation of players in the Spain squad. De Gea played every minute of the 2018 World Cup but has found himself dropping down the pecking order since. The 32-year-old has consistently been one of the top-flight’s best goalkeepers, but he hasn’t played a game for his country since 2020.

More related stories:

Neymar gives Messi painful reminder

Neymar's teammates promise misery to Messi and Mbappe

Spain lost 1-0 to Ukraine and De Gea was relegated to the bench but still in the squad. But from March this year, Enrique has excluded him and he hasn’t been included in his 55-man provisional squad. That means De Gea won’t be going to the World Cup. Meanwhile, Ramos hasn’t played for Spain since he swapped Real Madrid for PSG.

Injuries have played a part, but the multiple Champions League winner wasn’t selected for the delayed Euro 2020 tournament as Enrique preferred younger alternatives. And though he is expected to miss this World Cup after featuring in the last four, he has at least been included in the provisional 55-man squad.

Will Ramos make it?

But Enrique is still predicted to go without Ramos. The defender is hopeful of getting back into the team and adding to his 180 caps. He said, “Everyone knows what it means to defend those colours. I feel good again, I feel prepared, but ultimately it doesn’t depend on me but on Luis Enrique, whom I respect a lot. I still have a lot of excitement to return and play this World Cup. I hope I can be in Qatar.”