Gianluigi Buffon, Arjen Robben and Alexis Sanchez will miss World Cup — but could this 23-man squad of absentees triumph in Russia?
Italy and Chile are most high profile country not at biggest stage, while there are top class players not at tournament
THERE will be some serious talent missing from the 2018 World Cup.
Italy are the most high-profile casualties, while Holland and Chile are among other high-profile casualties.
Meanwhile, the USA, Ivory Coast and Ghana would also have expected to qualify.
The first-ever tournament in Russia will be quite open — with several candidates fancying their chances of victory.
Brazil waltzed through the difficult South American qualification campaign, while Spain and France are bursting with talent and reigning champions Germany are...well, Germany.
But how would this 23-man squad of players whose countries did not make it fare?
Goalkeepers
Gianluigi Buffon — Italy
He could have potential enjoyed the ultimate send-off with a second World Cup medal.
Instead, Buffon will be watching from home after Italy were knocked out by Sweden.
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Jan Oblak, Samir Handanovic — Slovenia
It's incredible that the Europeans only have two world class players — and both play in goal.
The Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan stoppers will not be in Russia, however, after finishing below Scotland in their qualifying group.
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Defenders
Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini — Italy
Particularly painful fore this world class duo who were not part of the 2006 success.
For Chiellini, this was his last chance, but Bonucci — if he can rediscover his best form — will only be 34 when Qatar comes around, so still has a chance.
Virgil van Dijk, Stefan De Vrij — Holland
Both linked with big-money moves in the summer, with Southampton and Lazio respectively staying firm.
And it's expected both could earn mega moves at the end of the season, though they won't be showcasing their talents on the biggest stage of all.
Eric Bailly — Ivory Coast
Arguably the biggest shock of all as the African heavyweights were knocked out by surprise package Morocco.
But Manchester United fans will be delighted to have Bailly fresh for next season.
David Alaba — Austria
Many people's surprise package at Euro 2016 were utterly dreadful, picking up just one point.
And it got worse for Alaba and Co. as they finished fourth below Wales in their qualifying group.
Midfielders
Marco Verratti, Lorenzo Insigne — Italy
Has been superb for his club this season, with Paris Saint-Germain flying in Ligue 1.
But perhaps his inability to replicate that for his country is a telling reason why Italy didn't make it to Russia.
Arjen Robben — Holland
Like Buffon, he retired from international football after his country failed to qualify for the World Cup.
Robben will never get the chance to make up for that famous miss in the 2010 final defeat.
Arturo Vidal — Chile
Bayern Munich ace Vidal was surely planning for a World Cup swansong.
As back-to-back South American champions, Chile appeared certainties to make it to Russia, and missing out is a massive blow.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan — Armenia
Had no hope of making to Russia, with a country that has never qualified for a major tournament.
Armenia picked up a shock 3-2 win over Montenegro, and Mkhitaryan contributed two goals throughout.
Naby Keita — Guinea
Another who was never going to make it, as Guinea picked up just one point.
Keita is joining Liverpool in the summer and will enjoy a complete pre-season.
Franck Kessie — Ivory Coast
A player with huge potential, who joined AC Milan in the summer, he will be bitterly disappointed to miss out on Russia.
But, at just 20, Kessie will likely get more chances in the future.
Miralem Pjanic — Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Juventus playmaker will have been devastated to miss out.
Bosnia finished third below Greece, who they actually finished above of in qualification for Brazil 2014.
Marek Hamsik — Slovakia
The Napoli hero was agonisingly close as Slovakia missed out courtesy of being the lowest-ranked second place finisher in Europe.
Republic of Ireland pipped them to the post, and Hamsik and Co. would have fancied their chances against Denmark.
Christian Pulisic — USA
One of the brightest prospects in world football.
Borussia Dortmund will be quietly please Pulisic will not show his talents to the world in Russia.
Forwards
Gareth Bale — Wales
Helped the Dragons in their incredible journey to the semi-finals of Euro 2016, but the dream ended there.
Bale's injuries were a contributing factor as Wales finished third in their group.
Edin Dzeko — Bosnia
Red-hot Roma man will be disappointed to miss out on the opportunity to put right the wrongs of 2014.
Dzeko managed just one goal in Brazil as Bosnia fell at the first hurdle.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang — Gabon
Another elite player who would not have expected to make it to Russia.
The minnows' task was made even harder when they were placed in a group with Morocco and Ivory Coast.
Alexis Sanchez — Chile
Arguably the best player to miss out on Russia.
Sanchez was heavily criticised for netting just once in the final six matches as Chile fell away.
Ciro Immobile — Italy
Is the top scorer in Europe's top five leagues with 14 goals so far.
But Immobile struggled to lead the line when trusted by Gian Piero Ventura.
Manager
Marcello Lippi — China
A World Cup-winner with Italy, he is now entrusted with starting the Chinese football revolution.
Lippi has won five major trophies at club level in the Far East, but finished below the likes of Uzbekistan in qualifying.