Top 5 players set to miss the 2018 FIFA World Cup due to injury

These players will be forced to watch from the comfort of their homes as their teams take to the field in Russia.

Playing in the FIFA World Cup and representing their nation is a dream of every footballer. The biggest stage of them all is the one place where each player wants to shine and bring the ultimate glory home.

However, sometimes the game plays a cruel joke on some unfortunate players who miss their opportunity to represent their nation owing to an injury. Professional players always commit themselves fully on the field playing for their clubs, or even in a friendly for their country and sometimes that intensity can lead to accidental injuries, resulting in the player missing out on playing at the World Cup.

Here, we take a look at the top five players who will miss the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia due to injury.

5. Laurent Koscielny- France

The Frenchman is a tank at the back and played a crucial role in the heart of the team’s defense alongside Raphaël Varane. However, he is set to miss out on playing for the national team in Russia after suffering a torn Achilles tendon, while playing for Arsenal against Atletico Madrid in the Europa League semi-final second leg defeat. France who come into the tournament as one of the favourites will surely miss Koscielny’s services.

Koscielny was stretchered off from the game and he knew that he would not recover in ytime for this World Cup

4. Dimitri Payet- France

Another Frenchman, the second to have suffered an injury playing Atletico Madrid, will not wear the national colours in Russia is the talismanic midfielder, Dimitri Payet. He picked up a hamstring injury in the Europa League final defeat in the early stages of the game. Payet had a strong season with  Marseille in which he scored 10 and assisted 20 for the club in all competitions.

After playing a pivotal part in Marseille's journey to the final, Payet started in the showpiece despite not being fully fit, taking a huge risk. His teary departure from the field came as a shock to the onlooking French fans, with the World Cup in mind.

3. Dani Alves- Brazil

Brazil are always touted as one of the favorites to win the World Cup. Although, this time around they will enter the competition without the presence of their full-back, Dani Alves. He picked up a knee injury during the Coupe de France final playing for his club Paris Saint Germain.

This comes as a shock since the relatively young squad would have done well with the experience that Alves brings. He is no stranger to big tournaments and playing under pressure. His services will surely be missed by millions of Brazil fans around the world.

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2. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain- England

After suffering a knee ligament injury in the Champions League semi-final first leg against Roma, Alex Oxlade Chamberlain will not be playing for England at the World Cup, which serves as a blow to the Three Lions.

The midfielder had a strong season with Liverpool and was in good touch coming into the final stages of the season, before unfortunately sustaining the injury which ensured that he was ruled out of Gareth Southgate’s squad.

Sergio Romero- Argentina

The most capped goalkeeper in Argentina’s history with 83 appearances, Sergio Romero was one of the top performers at the last World Cup held in Brazil. His performances between the sticks played a crucial role in Argentina’s march into the final; which they eventually lost to Germany.

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Romero, who plays for Manchester United, injured his right knee during a training session. Now ruled out of the World Cup, Argentina will find it tough to cope without the reliable shot-stopper, who is set to be replaced by Wilfredo Daniel “Willy” Caballero of Chelsea.

The whole world is also curiously observing Mohammed Salah and the severity of the shoulder injury which he sustained in the Champions League final against Real Madrid in a controversial manner. He had a memorable season with Liverpool and is invaluable for the Egyptian squad. His availability is still under the lens for the upcoming World Cup in Russia.