Could Alexis Sanchez & Gareth Bale really miss out on the 2018 World Cup?

Qualifying for the 2018 World Cup is edging towards a conclusion - and it is becoming increasingly clear which teams are going to make the cut.

While underdogs around the globe, including underdogs Tahiti and Burkina Faso, edge closer to their bow on the world stage, some renowned countries could be about to miss out.

Among them are Chile, Senegal and Wales, all of whom possess some of the game's biggest names in their squads.

As everyone gets set to return to their clubs, we have looked at the countries which look set to miss out on qualification - and more importantly, the names who could get the summer off as a result.

South America

Chile

Star players: Alexis Sanchez, Arturo Vidal, Claudio Bravo

Armenia

Star player: Henrikh Mkhitaryan

 

Europe

Wales

Star players: Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey, Joe Allen

Netherlands

Star players: Arjen Robben, Gini Wijnaldum, Daley Blind, Wesley Sneijder, Memphis Depay

Africa

Algeria

Star players: Riyad Mahrez, Islam Slimani, Yacine Brahimi

Senegal

Star players: Sadio Mane, Kalidou Koulibaly, Idrissia Gueye, Chiekhou Kouyate