Thiago fighting for World Cup spot following latest Spain snub

Liverpool midfielder Thiago is facing an uphill battle to make Spain's World Cup squad after being snubbed by Luis Enrique once again.

The 31-year-old has not featured for La Roja since last summer's European Championships after an injury-hit year.

Thiago played 39 times for Liverpool in all competitions last season but his fitness has always been carefully managed by Jurgen Klopp and his coaching staff.

A hamstring problem has limited Thiago to just three games this term and he was not called up by Spain for their September internationals.

With the likes of Pedri and Gavi announcing themselves as two of Europe's finest young midfielders, Thiago could face a real battle to work his way back into Enrique's plans.

His best chances of heading to the World Cup will be by maintaining his fitness throughout October and the start of November.

Spain have lost just one of their last ten games since being eliminated in the semi-finals of Euro 2020 by Italy on penalties.

They will face Costa Rica, Germany and Japan in the group stages of the World Cup this winter.

Should Thiago not head to the World Cup for reasons unrelated to his fitness, then that could be a boost for Liverpool heading into the second half of the season.

A fully-fit Thiago could give the Reds the quality they need over the winter in order to make up ground in the Premier League title race.