At just 26, Sergi Roberto has broken into a star-studded Barcelona lineup. Former manager Luis Enrique placed his faith in the young player in 2015. But this season he had to fight for his position. The player was instrumental and a key figure in some of the more important games Barcelona played this year. But this is not the first time he has been ommitted.
During their friendlies against Germany and Argentina, Lopetegui was quizzed over his decision to leave out Roberto. The Spanish manager had confirmed that they preferred to have a ‘specific right-back’. The manager implied then that the gates have not closed on the Barcelona player’s international future and World Cup selection. However, it looks like he has definitely locked it and thrown the key away at this point.