Reaction from Liverpool fans has been mixed after the star player was left out of the World Cup squad
Liverpool star Thiago Alcantara has been left out of Spain’s squad for Qatar, and the decision has sparked controversy among Reds fans.
Luis Enrique announced his final 26-man squad on Friday morning, with Thiago one of the big names to miss out on the tournament.
Also missing is PSG centre-back Sergio Ramos, who could be playing in his last major tournament for his country.
Spain begin their World Cup on November 23 when they face Costa Rica. The other teams in Group E are Germany and Japan.
Thiago has had an injury-plagued start to the season but continues to be one of Liverpool’s most influential players when fit.
The decision to leave Thiago out of the Spain squad doesn’t necessarily come as much of a shock, given that he wasn’t included in the final squad in September either. However, he had only recently returned from a hamstring problem at the time.
Enrique insisted the door was “not closed” to any player not involved in that squad, but Thiago hasn’t done enough to be selected this time around.
Thiago Alcantara remained in Spain’s squad for the World Cup (Getty Images)
Many Liverpool fans are understandably disappointed that one of their key players will not be representing his country at the World Cup.
It is a huge blow for the player personally, considering he was forced out of the 2014 World Cup after being named in the provisional squad.
One fan wrote:
Another simply added: “Ruined for him.”
And the third fan said: “At this point, Thiago should leave the national team without even thinking twice…”
However, other Reds fans took a more medium-term view. With Thiago not playing in Qatar, his chances of injury will be reduced ahead of a busy post-World Cup period for the Reds.
Liverpool already have Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Andrew Robertson and more during the tournament, with Thiago now also looking to stay on Merseyside.
On December 22nd in the Carabao Cup match between “Liverpool” and “Man City”, one fan was watching unexpectedly.
And the other said: “It’s great news for us, but puzzling to say the least.”
The third fan wrote: “Honestly, I can’t pretend I’m sad, at least let him rest.”
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