Lionel Messi, Gianluigi Buffon, Cristiano Ronaldo: Big stars who could miss the World Cup

The three nominees – Gianluigi Buffon, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi- for the 2016/17 UEFA Men’s Player of the Year Award could not be participating with in 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The World Cup qualifying is drawing to an end, but some big names could miss Russia 2018. Football Weeks see who could be watching the action from their couch next summer.

Argentina: Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Angel Di Maria, Mauro Icardi, Paulo Dybala, Gonzalo Higuain, Javier Mascherano

The list of talent available to coach Jorge Sampaoli is clear, yet Argentina are still in big, big trouble. A World Cup without Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi would be bad enough, but the other names on this list are also-world performers. Argentina basically need a victory away to Ecuador – where they’ve won only once since 1960 – to guarantee at least a playoff against New Zealand. However, Argentina might well need help from Brazil (to draw with or beat Chile) to qualify automatically.

Portugal: Cristiano Ronaldo

The Ballon d’Or holder, winner of back-to-back Champions League titles and talisman of the current European champions, it doesn’t get much bigger than Ronaldo. Portugal are currently second in their group and behind leaders Switzerland by three points. The two nations meet in Lisbon on Tuesday, and if Portugal do not win then it will be the playoffs for Cristiano and his team-mates.

Portugal: Cristiano Ronaldo

Chile: Alexis Sanchez, Arturo Vidal

Alexis Sanchez’s 85th-minute winner against Ecuador keeps his country in the competition, but the Arsenal forward might need to produce more magics if he is not to miss the finals along with Arturo Vidal. Chile go to Brazil on Tuesday knowing a win takes them to the finals; draw and they could be left with that playoff against New Zealand. Sanchez won’t even think about losing in Brazil and the likely complete elimination that would bring.

Italy: Gianluigi Buffon

After being drawn in a group with Spain, there was always going to be one of world football’s big hitters in the playoffs, and it seems certain Buffon and his Italy teammates will be forced to go down this route as they trail the 2010 champions by three points. The Juventus goalkeeper had earmarked next summer’s tournament as his emotional farewell to the game. Will Gianluigi Buffon’s plan be ruined by a playoff defeat?

Netherlands: Arjen Robben

Netherlands: Arjen Robben

The exit of the Dutch continues, and Bayern Munich star Robben seems unlikely to earn an international swan song at the upcoming World Cup. The 33-year-old will need to inspire Netherlands to two victories this week, and hope Sweden slip up too, if they are to even sneak into the playoffs.

Wales: Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey

With Bale missing out of Wales’ final two qualifiers against Georgia and Republic of Ireland through injury, the chances of the Real Madrid star and Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey missing the finals as well is increased. If Wales can win both games they will definitely be in the playoffs; if they don’t, Wales probably won’t have enough points even to get into those second-chance ties in November.

United States: Christian Pulisic

The Borussia Dortmund midfielder is seen as one of the hottest young talents around, and his stock would surely rise further with an appearance at World Cup. Yet United States are outside the automatic places and defeat to Panama on Friday would leave the Americans with the chance of a playoff at best. The U.S. do know, though, that two wins this week will definitely take them direct to Russia.

Italy: Gianluigi Buffon

Gabon: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Aubameyang’s decision to sit out Gabon’s crucial qualifier against table-toppers Ivory Coast last month, which they lost 3-0, means they have only a slim chance of edging them out for a place in the finals. So the Borussia Dortmund striker, one of Europe’s most prolific forwards of recent seasons, is unlikely to make it to Russia.

Senegal: Sadio Mane

Liverpool’s flying wide man is one of the most exciting players in the Premier League, but he may not grace Russia. That said, Senegal still have qualification in their own hands with a quashed tie against South Africa still to replay. If they win their three remaining matches they are there; if not, it could be a summer of rest.