Why Renato Sanches is not selected in Portugal World Cup 2022 Squad?

Fernando Santos has announced the Portugal National Team squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar. Every time while choosing a squad, the coach has to make some hard decisions. After the announcement of Portugal Squad, some talented players failed to get a chance to play in World Cup. One such case is with youngster Renato Sanches. The PSG midfielder failed to get a place in the 26-men squad for the 2022 World Cup. It was quite surprising because Sanches was quite outstanding for Portugal in major tournaments like the Euro 2016 and Euro 2020. Here’s why Renato Sanches is not selected in Portugal World Cup 2022 Squad.

Portugal World Cup 2022 Squad

Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (FC Porto), Jose Sa (Wolverhampton Wanderers FC), Rui Patricio (AS Roma).

Defenders: Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Joao Cancelo (Manchester City), Danilo Pereira (Paris St Germain), Pepe (FC Porto), Ruben Dias (Manchester City), Antonio Silva (SL Benfica), Nuno Mendes (Paris St Germain), Raphael Guerreiro (Borussia Dortmund).

Midfielders: Joao Palhinha (Fulham FC), Ruben Neves (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Joao Mario (SL Benfica), Matheus Nunes (Wolverhampton Wanderers FC), Vitinha (Paris St Germain), William Carvalho (Real Betis), Otavio (FC Porto).

Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United), Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid), Rafael Leao (AC Milan), Ricardo Horta (SC Braga), Goncalo Ramos (FC Benfica), Andre Silva (RB Leipzig).

Why Renato Sanches is not selected in Portugal World Cup 2022 Squad?

The reason behind Renato Sanches’ omission from the Portugal World Cup squad is his fitness issues. Sanches suffered several injuries in the recent months and did not play enough. Since joining Paris Saint Germain, he has played only one full match so far. Players like Ruben Neves, Vitinha and João Palhinha were available, so it was not difficult for Fernando Santos to leave Sanches out of the squad.

There was a time when Renato Sanches was one of the world’s most exciting young footballers but his career has dipped now. He won the award of UEFA Euro 2016 Golden Boy. It is quite unfortunate that he is not selected in Portugal World cup squad.

Read also :- Why is Diogo Jota not playing for Portugal in World Cup 2022?

Portugal midfield options at World Cup 2022