Manchester United’s Spain goalkeeper David De Gea is reportedly set to miss the Qatar World Cup, after not being named in Spain’s 55-man provisional squad. According to reports in the British media, suggestions from Spain indicate that he won’t be on the plane to Qatar. De Gea has not featured in a Spain match since October 2020.

It does come as a surprise that De Gea, who has been having a good season with Manchester United, has not even made the preliminary squad for the World Cup. A number of other Premier League goalkeepers have been selected ahead of him. According to Spanish publication AS, Spain manager Luis Enrique has already submitted a 55-man squad to Fifa without including De Gea. Enrique has named five goalkeepers in his provisional squad. According to reports, Brentford’s David Raya, Athletic Bilbao’s Unai Simon and Brighton’s Robert Sanchez are in the squad.

Barcelona stand

Barcelona won’t offer public viewing venues to follow Spain’s team during the World Cup in Qatar after its mayor said her city doesn’t support holding the tournament in a “dictatorship.” Barcelona mayor Ada Colau rejected a request, by an opposition party during a city hall council session, to open a public venue for citizens to gather and watch Spain.

(Written with inputs from AP/PTI)