Spain leave out Sergio Ramos and Thiago from World Cup squad

Spain have left Thiago Alcantara and Sergio Ramos out of their World Cup squad, as Luis Enrique turns to a younger side for Qatar.

With just over a week to go until the World Cup starts, managers have been announcing their squads this week, with plenty of surprises cropping up all over the place.

England fans were gutted that Fikayo Tomori was left out by Gareth Southgate, but the manager did at least please everyone by including James Maddison.

On Friday, it was Luis Enrique's turn to announce his squad, with Spain looking to recapture the title that they won in 2010, during their period of dominance.

The Spain boss has a stellar cast of players to turn to and that's been proven in the fact that he can leave Liverpool midfielder Thiago out, as well as PSG's Ramos.

Goalkeepers: Unai Simon (Athletic Club), Robert Sanchez (Brighton), David Raya (Brentford).

Defenders: Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Eric Garcia (Barcelona), Hugo Guillamon (Valencia), Pau Torres (Villarreal), Aymeric Laporte (Manchester City), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Jose Gaya (Valencia).

Midfielders: Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Rodrigo (Manchester City), Gavi (Barcelona), Carlos Soler (Valencia), Marcos Llorente (Atletico Madrid), Pedri (Barcelona), Koke (Atletico Madrid).

Forwards: Ferran Torres (Barcelona), Nico Williams (Athletic Club), Yeremy Pino (Villarreal), Alvaro Morata (Atletico Madrid), Marco Asensio (Real Madrid), Pablo Sarabia (PSG), Dani Olmo (Leipzig), Ansu Fati (Barcelona).

Pedri will be one of Spain's most important players in Qatar. Image: Alamy

It might not come as a huge surprise that either man has missed out, considering they have not been in recent squads for the national team.

Thiago was still an important part of the team in the Euros in the summer of 2021 but has not actually played for the team since.

Barcelona pair Gavi and Pedri have shone in the time since the country reached the semi finals, losing to eventual winners Italy, whilst Carlos Soler and Rodri have become increasingly important for their clubs sides as well.

Liverpool fans will certainly be happy that Alcantara hasn't been picked to go to Qatar, especially considering his recent injury record for them.

Just days after the tournament finishes they'll be playing Manchester City in the Carabao Cup, before Premier League fixtures restart the following weekend.

Thiago last played in Euro 2020. Image: Alamy

Ramos actually played earlier this year for Luis Enrique's side, in two of the team's World Cup qualifiers, but also hasn't played since March.

He was part of the team that won the Euros in 2008 and 2012 and World Cup in 2010 and defensive partner from the last of those tournaments, Gerard Pique, retired from football last week.

As well as the obvious names missing, Spain also didn't call up Marc Cucurella, with the full back having cited the World Cup as one reason he decided to swap Brighton for Chelsea in the summer.

The Iberian side face Costa Rica, Germany and Japan in the group stages.