From Eboue to Isco: Five more shock World Cup omissions

Having already covered the surprise omissions from Brazil and Germany’s respective World Cup squads among others, we’ve turned our attention to the latest big omissions.

Covering the African giants of the Ivory Coast and Ghana alongside Team USA, Chile and current holders Spain, check out the five biggest names to be missing from the rosters for the summer World Cup.

Emmanuel Eboue – One of the biggest surprises so far, Eboue was left out of Sabri Lamouchi’s 28-man squad following a trophyless season with Galatasaray in a stop-start campaign. Now 30-years-old the reality is that the Ivorians boast better defenders and faster alternatives at full-back, meaning there is little room for the petulance and comedy stylings of the former Arsenal man.

Eddie Johnson – The former Cardiff and Fulham forward failed to make Jurgen Klinsmann’s 30-man preliminary squad, with the German favouring forwards currently plying their trade in Europe as call-ups for Jozy Altidore and Terrence Boyd attests. Johnson plays in the MLS for DC United and despite featuring throughout qualifying, a dip in form has seen the 30-year-old miss out.

David Pizarro – Familiar to Manchester City fans following his season-long loan, Pizarro’s absence is a major surprise for Chile despite the player creaking in 34-years-old. The former AS Roma and Inter Milan man has been in good form for Serie A side Fiorentina and would have hoped his experience would have seen him into Jorge Sampaoli’s squad, but it was not to be the case.

Isco – Though Spain boast plenty in the way of midfield talent, Isco may feel justifiably irked at his exclusion, given that Juan Mata and Fernando Torres – two players who have endured mixed seasons – made the cut despite their younger counterpart enjoying a better, albeit stop-start campaign that could yet end in Champions League glory.

John Mensah – Captain of the Black Stars during their run to the quarter-finals in South Africa four years ago, Mensah’s exclusion is likely to bring the curtain down on the 31-year-old’s international career, during which he amassed 79 caps. A lack of playing time put paid to his chances, with Mensah making just three appearances for Slovakian league side FC Nitra this term.

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