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As we all breathe easy after watching Messi and Co. qualify for the World Cup, there have been quite a few shocks as a few top sides have failed to make it to Russia. There have been some big eliminations already and the qualification stage isn't over yet.
Netherlands, Chile, Wales, Cameroon and the Czech Republic won't be playing in Russia while Italy, Sweden, Croatia, Switzerland have to go through the playoffs. While the likes of Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar, Suarez, Griezmann will feature in Russia, some big names will miss the chance to play in the World Cup.
Here are 5 superstars who will miss Russia 2018:
#5 Henrikh Mkhitaryan
Armenia had a very disappointing qualifying campaign as they finished 5th in their qualifying group. Manchester United fans around the world were left disappointed as they will not be able to see their star attacker, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, in Russia.
His sensational form for Borussia Dortmund saw him move to England in 2016 and after a tough start, he is now an indispensable part of the United attack. Mkhitaryan has the uncanny knack of producing great passes and through balls. His understanding with his teammates has seen him muster five assists so far this season.
The man with the nickname "Micky", scores some crazy goals and is a popular player in world football. It is sad that we will not be able to see any of the Micky magic in Russia.
#4 Arjen Robben
It was a disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign for the 2010 finalists Netherlands. Level on points with Sweden, they missed out on goal difference and were knocked out. In a shock announcement after the game, Arjen Robben said he was retiring from International football. Robben has scored 37 times for Netherlands in 96 appearances.
In his illustrious career, Arjen Robben has played for clubs big like Chelsea, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, scoring 199 times in the process.
Robben played in 2006, 2010 and 2014 World Cups, scoring 6 times and for a decade, he was the key to the Netherlands' success as they finished runners-up and in third place in the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups respectively. His void in the Netherlands squad will be hard to fill.
#3 Gareth Bale
Wales' hopes of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup were shattered by Monday's defeat at home to the Republic of Ireland. An injury to Gareth Bale hampered their qualifying campaign as they finish 3rd in the qualifying group after Serbia and Ireland. The man with the nickname "Welsh Wizard", is one of the top 5 footballers in the world currently playing the game.
Gareth Bale first came to prominence with Tottenham where he tormented Premier League defences with his pace and dribbling ability. He moved to Real Madrid in what was a world record deal a few seasons ago and has scored 70 times over 4 seasons.
He is considered as one of the best wingers in world football and on his best day, there is no defence in the world that can stop him. Bale has scored 26 times for Wales and will have to wait for 4 more years to play his first World Cup game.
#2 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Gabon were eliminated from the World Cup after their defeat in Morocco. Russia 2018 will miss one of the deadliest finishers in world football as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will only be able to watch the showpiece event.
Prior to his move to Borussia Dortmund, where he rose to prominence, his best spell came at Saint-Etienne where his goal-scoring ability raised a few eyebrows. Aubameyang currently plays for Borussia Dortmund and has scored more than 200 goals in his career.
In his last 100 games for Dortmund, Aubameyang has scored 90 goals and one of the most in-form strikers in world football at the moment and the current holder of the Torjägerkanone, or the Bundesliga golden boot.
His sublime form got the attention of Real Madrid this summer but the deal did not go through. He has scored 23 times for Gabon and is popular amongst the fans for his somersault goal celebration.
#1 Alexis Sanchez
Chile were beaten comprehensively by Brazil which ended their World Cup hopes. It came as shock to football fans around the world as they won't get to see Alexis Sanchez playing in Russia.
Playing in the midfield, the 28-year-old scored 47 goals for Barcelona and has mustered 73 strikes for Arsenal and is certainly one of the best attacking midfielders in World football. He is a prolific goal scorer for Chile and a fan-favourite for his work ethic and passion on the pitch.
He was prolific in the qualifying campaign scoring 6 goals and assisting 5 more, but it wasn't enough as the La Roja stumbled at the final hurdle. Sanchez has been the star for his country in recent years and the key to their recent success in Copa America 2015 and 2016.
