The 2022 FIFA World Cup is just around the corner, but a few key players will not be participating in Russia. Here are the best XI players who are outside the tournament.
Gareth Bale - Wales Gareth Bale has been one of the standout performers for club and country over the past few years, but he will not participate in the World Cup due to injury. The Real Madrid forward hopes to recover in time for Euro 2020.
Paulo Dybala - Juventus Juventus forward Paulo Dybala has impressed at the club and international levels over the past few years. However, he will miss out on a place in Argentina's World Cup squad as they attempt to win their first title since 1986. Dybala is likely to feature prominently for his nation at Euro 2020.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic - Manchester United Zlatan Ibrahimovic is undoubtedly one of the greatest footballers of all time. Still, he will not participate in France 2018 due to an ankle injury sustained while with Manchester United. The 36-year-old Swede is expected to return in time for Super League Season 2019/2020.
Eleven players who failed to qualify for the tournament with their countries or have been ruled out due to injury are missing the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
These include PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, Italy defender Reece James, Real Madrid center back David Alaba, Liverpool midfielder Mohamed Salah, Algeria forward Karim Benzema, and Netherlands midfielder N'golo Kante.