Joao Palhinha had World Cup hopes dashed by midfielder also fighting relegation

Tottenham loanee Joao Palhinha suffered an almighty blow after he was surprisingly snubbed from Portugal’s World Cup squad.

The 37-cap star has been part of his country’s ranks for the past three major international tournaments but won’t feature this summer.

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Palhinha paid the price for a turbulent season in north London that initially started impressively following his arrival from Bayern Munich.

The former Fulham star scored twice in his first eight appearances before he fell out of the starting XI as Spurs’ form took a nosedive.

talkSPORT’s Alex Crook revealed in January that Tottenham were reconsidering their stance to take up a £26m buy option in his deal.

Palhinha has since looked revived by Roberto De Zerbi’s arrival at the club, having scored the decisive goal in a 1-0 win over Wolves.

However, Spurs remain in a relegation fight against West Ham, who had their own budding World Cup hopeful in Mateus Fernandes.

Roberto Martinez has ultimately opted to leave both players behind in favour of another midfielder facing the drop this weekend.

European football expert Andy Brassell told talkSPORT.com: “I think it’s interesting because you’ve got two Portuguese midfielders who are in really good form at the moment, neither of whom have made the World Cup squad.

“I think Joao Palhinha is a name that really leaps out. Sporting are very keen to bring him back.

“We know already that Roberto De Zerbi wants to keep him at Spurs.

“He’s been very, very good over the last six or seven weeks since De Zerbi has been in charge.”

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Why Palhinha was snubbed for Portugal World Cup squad

“Especially when Palhinha is someone who’s done it for Portugal before and been really good for them,” Brassell continued.

“That’s a bit of a funny one for me. But look, I think we also have to underline that in midfield, they’re exceptionally well stocked.

“What has really done for Palhinha is the emergence of Samú Costa, who plays for Mallorca.

“If Mallorca do end up going down from LaLiga, someone’s going to snap him up, and they’re going to get themselves the right bargain.

“He’s just a terrific midfield player. A younger, better on-the-ball version of Palhinha, some would argue.

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“Now, obviously, there are others who value the greater experience of Palhinha, but there are a lot of people out there really impressed by Samú Costa’s appearances for Portugal so far.

“I think he’s a more progressive version of what Palhinha is.”

Who is Samú Costa?

The four-cap international has scored seven goals and registered two assists in LaLiga this season despite being a defensive midfielder.

His form earned him a Portugal recall in March, having made his senior debut for his country in late 2024.

He impressed for Roberto Martinez’s side during the friendlies against Mexico and the USA to help punch his World Cup ticket.

Costa’s heroics might not be enough to save his Mallorca side, who are involved in a five-way shootout to avoid the drop this weekend.

‘Los Piratas’ must beat already-relegated Real Oviedo and hope results elsewhere go in their favour to complete a last-gasp escape.

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What do Spurs need to avoid relegation?

Palhinha’s Tottenham are not in as desperate a predicament as Mallorca, but still have work to do to confirm their safety.

Following their 2-1 defeat to Chelsea, Spurs remain two points clear of West Ham in the bottom three with just one match left.

Their superior goal difference to the Hammers means that a draw at home to Everton on Sunday would be enough for survival.

Yet a West Ham victory against Leeds would leave Tottenham facing Championship football next term IF they also lose to the Toffees.