Home of football statistics and historyThe 2022 FIFA World Cup is just around the corner, but a host of elite Premier League players won’t be plying their trade in Qatar come November.
It’s not their fault they will not enjoy the privilege of battling it out for the most coveted international title after their countries failed to qualify for the final tournament.
While from a player’s point of view, missing out on a quadrennial opportunity to feature in a World Cup is a complete disaster, certain clubs may rip the rewards from their stars enjoying an extended winter break.
Several Premier League sides must be rubbing their hands, knowing their headline performers will return to action fresh and ready to roll at the expense of the tired legs.
There is a feeling that Liverpool and Manchester City are the two clubs that will benefit the most during the winter season as some of their essential first-team members will stay at home.
Let’s take a look at the most notable Premier League absentees. And if you’re interested in backing your favourites to conquer the winter tournament, check out the World Cup odds to improve your return.
Arsenal
Martin Odegaard
Despite earning the captain’s armband at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal playmaker Martin Odegaard will have a much-needed winter rest after Norway’s lacklustre World Cup qualifying campaign.
Liverpool
Joel Matip (Cameroon)
Even though Cameroon qualified, Joel Matip won’t be able to help his country in Qatar after having a fallout with key figures behind the scenes and being withdrawn from the national team.
Andy Robertson (Scotland)
Scotland captain Andy Robertson fell agonisingly close off World Cup qualification after suffering a morale-crushing defeat to Ukraine in the play-offs.
Naby Keita (Guinea)
Injury-prone midfielder Naby Keita will have enough time to overcome his recurring fitness problems and help Liverpool get their stuttering Premier League campaign back on track come Boxing Day.
Luis Diaz (Colombia)
One of the biggest disappointments of the 2022 World Cup qualifying cycle, Colombia finished sixth in the South American qualifying group, one point adrift of the inter-confederation play-off spot.
Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
Like losing the Africa Cup of Nations final to Senegal earlier this year wasn’t enough, Mohamed Salah’s Egypt have failed to advance to the Qatar showpiece.
Salah’s former Liverpool teammate Sadio Mane poured more misery on the Reds talisman as his Senegal ousted the Pharaohs in the World Cup play-off final.
Manchester City
Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland has enjoyed a stellar Premier League start since swapping Borussia Dortmund for Manchester City, tallying a whopping 15 goals in just nine league appearances.
But like his countryman Odegaard, he’ll have to follow the upcoming tournament as a spectator.
Riyad Mahrez
Algeria’s underwhelming AFCON campaign was no fluke, as Riyad Mahrez and his teammates failed to find their way to Qatar via qualifiers.
The left-footed winger has been in and out of Pep Guardiola’s set-up early in the season, but his fresh legs could make the difference after the restart.
Manchester United
Victor Lindelof
Sweden’s heartbreaking play-offs exit means Victor Lindelof will stay at the Carrington training ground over the winter to train with the rest of Erik ten Hag’s squad that won’t be participating in the World Cup.
Scott McTominay
Robertson’s international colleague Scott McTominay is another significant Manchester United star that will not board the plane to Qatar. It may benefit his growth in the eyes of ten Hag as his first-team competitors Casemiro and Fred will be out to help Brazil achieve World Cup glory.
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