Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has been left out of Spain’s 55-man provisional World Cup squad, according to reports.
The Spaniard has made 45 outings for his national team since making his debut in an international friendly against El Salvador in June 2014.
However, he has dropped down the pecking order under Luis Enrique, and as a result, he has not played for his country in over two years.
Spanish coach Luis Enrique has submitted his preliminary list of players in contention for the tournament, from which his final 26-man squad will be picked.
Despite the large squad size, United’s De Gea has been dropped in favour of three other Premier League goalkeepers.
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga and Getafe’s David Soria have been named back-ups in case of injury or sickness before the tournament.
The former’s inclusion in the squad may come as a surprise given that he has played half as many Premier League games this season as De Gea.
The only other recognised players on Spain’s list are full-backs Alejandro Balde, Jordi Alba, and Jose Gaya.
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The national team may not be De Gea’s only concern in the near future, as Erik ten Hag is reportedly looking for a replacement for the Spaniard.
The United shot-contract stopper’s expires next summer, and it’s unclear whether or not United will renew it.
The club has been connected with the man who replaced De Gea in the national squad, Bilbao’s Simon, and Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
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