Two Chelsea players miss out as Spain announce their World Cup squad. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Two Chelsea players Kepa Arrizabalaga and Marc Cucurella have not been selected for the World Cup squad of Spain. Club captain Cesar Azpilicueta is in the mix though and will feature for Luis Enrique’s team in Qatar (h/t Football.London).
While Cucurella’s form since moving to Stamford Bridge in the summer has not been world-beating, Kepa has been world-class in the last few weeks.
Since the time Edouard Mendy got injured in late August, the latter has been on fire in goal. He has looked unbeatable at times, playing a key part in Chelsea keeping a good chunk of clean sheets at the start of the Graham Potter era.
We also know that Spain boss Enrique generally picks goalkeepers who are secured in possession and can become the extra man in the build-up from the back. For that reason, Manchester United’s David de Gea is not in the squad.
Kepa, on the other hand, is decent on the ball and was in excellent shot-stopping form before picking up an injury two weeks ago during the game against Brighton and Hove Albion. He has not fully recovered yet. Hence, that could be the reason why he is not going to Qatar.
As much as it would be heartbreak for the two players for missing out on an opportunity to represent their nation in a World Cup, Potter would be happy to have them for the mid-season warm-weather training camp.
It is good news for Azpilicueta as he will be going to Qatar to possibly play his last World Cup. He is 33 now and may not get a better chance to help Spain lift the title after a 12-year wait.
Before the players disperse for respective duties, an important league game against Newcastle United awaits. With no league wins in four games now, Chelsea would be hoping to finish off the first half of this season on a high. It won’t be easy though as the Magpies are flying, especially at their home.
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