The Qatar World Cup is less than six months away and, unless this Premier League septet get their stakes on, they’ll be watching on from the comfort of their own sofas.
Cedric Soares – Arsenal and Portugal
The 2016 European Champion has earned 34 caps for the Portuguese national team but only one in the last four years. And, with Diogo Dalot and the wonderful Joao Cancelo for competition, there is a very real chance that Cedric will be the odd-man out by the time Fernando Santos picks his chosen-23 later this year.
The versatile full-back is expected to leave Arsenal in the summer after another season warming the bench. Perhaps a move to Newcastle United – Eddie Howe’s side reportedly admire Cedric’s ability to play on both flanks – could be the fresh start he needs, at precisely the right time.
Douglas Luiz – Aston Villa and Brazil
It is no secret that Steven Gerrard has his heart set on a new number six this summer. And, should Kalvin Phillips, Boubacar Kamara or Geoffrey Kondogbia arrive at Villa Park, it’s hard to see Luiz playing regularly in claret-and-blue over the next 12 months or so.
The former Man City youngster was left out of Tite’s most recent Brazil squad. And the rapid rise of Bruno Guimaraes at Newcastle United may hammer another nail into his Selecao coffin.
Luiz, who’s form has dipped since an excellent 2021/22 campaign, may be revitalised under Jose Mourinho at Roma.
Danny Ings – Aston Villa and England
Sometimes, things just don’t work out, even for footballers as lavishly talented as Danny Ings. A prolific goalscorer at Southampton, he’s hit the net just five times in 24 league games since a £30 million move to Villa.
Recent reports suggested that Ings may be farmed out to Brighton as part of a swap deal that would see Yves Bissouma move in the other direction. If Ings could emulate his Saints form back on the South Coast – at a Brighton side crying out for a reliable number nine – then expect Gareth Southgate to come calling again.
Michael Keane and Dominic Calvert-Lewin – Everton and England
It’s been a disastrous season for Everton. And, with the threat of Tuesday night trips to Bristol, Reading and Middlesbrough very real indeed, Frank Lampard will be praying that Keane and Calvert-Lewin can rediscover their Carlo Ancelotti-era form before it’s too late.
If 2022 has been Keane’s annus horribilis, then things aren’t going much better for his towering team-mate. With fitness and form going by the wayside, Calvert-Lewin has not scored from open play since August.
Should Everton succumb to the icy grip of relegation, Keane and Calvert-Lewin should still have enough credit in the bank to secure their own top-flight status.
West Ham reportedly want Keane while Calvert-Lewin is a target for Arsenal.
Joe Gomez – Liverpool and England
According to 90Min, Gomez is growing increasingly concerned that his lack of regular minutes at Liverpool could cost him a place in Southgate’s roster for Qatar. Those fears are not without foundation. Gomez, arguably England’s premiere centre-back heading into the 2020 tournament, has played less than 200 minutes of Premier League football under Jurgen Klopp this term.
Former Anfield team-mate Steven Gerrard reportedly wants to offer Gomez an escape route at Aston Villa.
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Harry Winks – Tottenham Hotspur and England
Another player who, not so long ago, was a fixture in the Three Lions squad. Another player who, like Gomez, has not featured for his country in two years. Alongside Dele Alli, Winks is perhaps the Spurs player who has been most negatively affected by the departure of Mauricio Pochettino. Jose Mourinho, Nuno Espirito Santo and now Antonio Conte have preferred other options in the centre of the park.
Nouveau-riche Newcastle United are reportedly interested. Winks could be a man reborn in a progressive, possession-orientated style under Howe at St James’ Park.
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