GERARD PIQUE, the center back of choice for Barcelona, may be unexpectedly called up to Spain’s World Cup roster despite having retired from international competition in 2018.
The 35-year-old defender is having a terrible time at the Nou Camp this season after falling down the lineup.
Despite serving as vice captain, he is positioned below Xavi’s squad’s Eric Garcia, Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, and Andreas Christensen.
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Pique has only played in 298 LaLiga minutes this season and has made just three starts, but according to Marca, he has been added to the first 55-man World Cup list.
The 55-player rosters for each of the 32 managers going to Qatar 2022 were due to Fifa last Friday.
The tournament’s final 26 must then be selected by November 13 in order for it to begin on November 20.
In 2018, Pique made his final appearance for Spain at the World Cup in Russia before deciding to retire playing for his nation and concentrate on his career with Barcelona.
The unpopular defender would give Luis Enrique’s team plenty of experience if he traveled to Qatar.
Sergio Ramos is reportedly another another unexpected name on Enrique’s longlist.
Along with Pique, he won the World Cup in 2010 and the Euros in 2012. He also played on the Euro 2008 champions.
The PSG defender, who has a record 180 appearances for Spain, has missed 20 months of La Roja competition.
But it’s anticipated that Pique and Ramos won’t make the team and won’t travel to the World Cup.
Garcia, Aymeric Laporte, Inigo Martinez, Pau Torres, and Enrique Torres are anticipated to make up the foursome.
Kepa Arrizabalaga is anticipated to be a victim of the culling process while goalkeeper David de Gea was left out of the initial 55.
On November 23, Spain plays Costa Rica to open Group E play. After that, they play Germany and Japan.