'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The wait is nearly over. We are just days away from the start of the most prestigious and widely followed sporting event in the world. FIFA World 2018 will happen in Russia and 32 nations fight it out to claim football's biggest prize.
The qualifying campaign gave us some great surprises as top nations like Italy, Chile, Wales, and the Netherlands failed to qualify for the tournament in Russia, meaning, some of the top stars like Alexis Sanchez, Arturo Vidal, Marco Verratti, Leonardo Bonucci, Virgil van Dijk, Robin van Persie, Mario Balotelli, and Memphis Depay won't be traveling to Russia this summer.
Also, some of the world class players like Laurent Koscielny, Dani Alves, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Aleksandr Kokorin and Lars Stindl will miss the World Cup because of serious injuries.
On that note, let's take a look at the superstars who are gonna be sorely missed in the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
#5 Gianluigi Buffon
The 2018 World Cup will miss one of the most enigmatic and influential players in world football. European giants, Italy, failed to qualify for the competition in Russia and some of its stars will be sorely missed, especially Gianluigi Buffon.
The Italian international is one of the greatest players in the world and a true legend. He has been playing at the highest level for more than two decades and still has the passion and enthusiasm to perform.
The 40-year-old Italian goalkeeper is a great leader and an embodiment of dedication and inspiration. The 2006 World Cup winner has played for Italy on 176 occasions and was a part of the Italy squad in the previous five World Cups.
#4 Arjen Robben, Holland
The 34-year-old Holland international has retired from international football after his side failed to qualify for the World Cup in Russia. A finalist in 2010 and semi-finalist in 2014, Arjen Robben was a hugely successful player for the Oranje.
He has played 14 years for the Netherlands side and scored six goals for his national team in the World Cups. With 37 goals, Arjen Robben is the fourth top goalscorer for the Netherlands national team.
Arguably one of the greatest players to don the orange shirt, Robben has scored some wonderful goals throughout his career. His exuberance and ability to seize games by the scruff of their neck will certainly be missed.
#3 Dani Alves, Brazil
Dani Alves will miss the 2018 World Cup because of an anterior cruciate ligament injury. The 35-year-old sustained the injury in the French Cup final while playing for Paris Saint-Germain.
The PSG star is one of the most followed Brazilian footballers. He is a popular figure in the dressing room and his experience will definitely be missed by his teammates. Brazil fans will also miss one of their favourite stars.
He has capped 106 times for Brazil and played in the previous two World Cups. His expertise in taking set pieces and ability to create chances from the wide area will also be missed.
#2 Gareth Bale, Wales
One of the heroes of the 2016 European Championships won't get an opportunity to ply his trade this summer in Russia. He is one of those players most football fan would love to watch.
Wales failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, after a below-par qualifying campaign. Bale is one of the biggest stars in world football at the moment and his presence would have light up the tournament.
Gareth Bale is one of the most exciting players in the world and fans will never get that opportunity in the 2018 World Cup. His pace, trickery, and breathtaking goals will be missed in the 2018 World Cup.
#1 Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Sweden
Zlatan Ibrahimovic was once a phenomenon in world football. There is absolutely nothing that this man cannot do on a football pitch and his heroics will definitely be missed in the 2018 World Cup.
Though he is still playing club football in MLS, Zlatan Ibrahimovic hung up his international boots after the 2016 European Championships.
Zlatan is known for scoring wonder goals and football fans in Russia will not get an opportunity to witness one of the greatest players of the modern era. The Swedish striker has played 116 games for his national team and scored 62 goals.
