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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Tom Blow

Man Utd, Liverpool and Arsenal stars who were snubbed for the World Cup

A whopping 832 players have been selected to represent their country at this year's World Cup - the most in the competition's history.

Of those stars, 31 play for either Manchester United, Arsenal or Liverpool. The Red Devils, for instance, will be one of the best represented teams at the tournament (14 players), with only Bayern Munich (17), Manchester City (16), Barcelona (16) and Al-Sadd (15) boasting more internationals.

Yet there are still plenty of United, Arsenal and Liverpool players who aren't heading to Qatar - and not just because their country hasn't qualified or they are injured. Here, Mirror Football takes a look at those stars who've been snubbed for a World Cup spot.

Manchester United

There are five United players who can count themselves unlucky to be staying at home this winter - including David de Gea . The 32-year-old goalkeeper has 45 senior caps for his country but hasn't played since 2020 and a comeback isn't on the horizon.

Spain boss Luis Enrique has instead opted for Athletic Bilbao stopper Unai Simon, as well as Brentford's David Raya and Brighton's Robert Sanchez. Chelsea's Kepa Arrizabalaga is another notable goalkeeper absent from Spain's squad.

Anthony Martial was part of the France side that won the Nations League last year and reached the final of Euro 2016, but he's set to miss out on a second successive World Cup after being snubbed by Didier Deschamps. Martial has struggled for fitness this term.

Jadon Sancho's England omission came as no surprise (Getty Images)

Which players do you think were unlucky to miss out on a World Cup spot? Let us know in the comments below!

Jadon Sancho helped England reach the final of Euro 2020 but will play no part in Qatar after being left out by Gareth Southgate. What's most shocking about his omission is he wasn't even in the selection debate. He desperately needs to find form at Old Trafford.

Another United star to fall out of the international scene is Donny van de Beek . He has been left out of Louis van Gaal's Netherlands squad after playing just four Premier League games this term. Like Sancho, the Dutchman needs to start delivering under Erik ten Hag.

Last but not least is United's newest star Alejandro Garnacho . The 18-year-old almost forced his way into Argentina's plans with two brilliant winners against Real Sociedad and Fulham. It's a tournament too soon for him, but he's not far away from his senior cap.

Liverpool

Thiago Alcantara has been overlooked by Spain (Getty Images)

Five Liverpool hopefuls were ignored by their respective nations - including Joe Gomez . The England international was close to being called up by Southgate, but Kyle Walker's return to fitness and the impressive form of Ben White thwarted his chances.

Roberto Firmino would've been confident of making Brazil's squad after scoring seven goals in 13 Premier League games this season, yet the 55-cap international was left out of Tite's squad in favour of fellow England-based stars Richarlison and Gabriel Jesus.

Thiago Alcantara was one of Spain's best youth internationals during his formative years - twice winning the U21 Euros - and has gone on to become a superb Premier League midfielder. Enrique, however, has put his faith in teenagers Gavi and Pedri instead.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Harvey Elliott were outside candidates for the England squad and weren't expected to be included unless there were injuries to other midfielders. Reece James, Ben Chilwell and Emile Smith Rowe are England's only major absentees.

Arsenal

Gabriel Magalhaes will not play for Brazil in Qatar (Getty Images)

Four Gunners will be disappointed not to be heading to Qatar this winter - including Gabriel Magalhaes . The Brazilian defender has been in great form for his club this season, helping Mikel Arteta's side go five points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

But Gabriel is yet to earn his first senior cap for Brazil and Tite has decided against giving him his debut in Qatar. Another promising young Arsenal player who is still waiting to make his international bow is Fabio Vieira , a regular for Portugal at U21 level.

The 22-year-old was named as the Player of the Tournament at the U21 Euros last year after helping Portugal reach the final. He was named in Fernando Santos' preliminary squad for the World Cup but hasn't done enough this term to join Cristiano Ronaldo and co.

Cedric Soares is another Portugal international staying in London this winter. The experienced defender was part of the squad that won Euro 2016 but has played just one international since 2018 and two Premier League games for the Gunners this season.

The final Arsenal player to be snubbed is Albert Sambi Lokonga , who did not make Roberto Martinez's Belgium squad. The 23-year-old midfielder made his senior international debut last year but hasn't played for the national team since.

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