Spain boss Luis Enrique has dropped a major hint over his plans for Atletico Madrid captain Koke’s La Roja role at the 2022 World Cup.
The 30-year-old has battled to get fit for the tournament after being forced off in the final 10 minutes of Los Rojiblancos’ 1-0 La Liga win at Athletic Club on October 15.
Koke missed six games across all competitions for Diego Simeone’s side on the back of a subsequent thigh injury, as their Champions League exit was confirmed at the group stages.
![Diego Simeone](https://icdn.football-espana.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Diego-Simeone.jpeg)
He returned to play 20 minutes in the midweek league loss at Mallorca and Enrique has included him in his 26-man squad for Qatar.
Koke played a key role for Spain in World Cup qualification, with five matches started from eight qualifiers, and five from six in the 2022/23 UEFA Nations League, and Enrique is ready to start him in their competition opener against Costa Rica on November 23.
“With Koke I have no doubts, no doubts at all”, as per reports from Mundo Deportivo.
“Koke is a guarantee for any coach, he can play as a pivot, he can play in central midfield.
“He brings a lot to the group.”