The exclusion of Manchester City star Leroy Sane from Germany's World Cup squad sent shock waves throughout the global football family, while many other star names were left out of their respective nations' teams too. Here is a starting XI of stars who will be watching the 2018 World Cup at home. Check it out!
Starting from the goalkeeper's position, and although he is not an exclusion per se, Manchester United stopper Sergio Romero won't be in Russia for the World Cup – he sustained a knee injury while training with his national team, thus being forced to miss this year's spectacle.
Speedy Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin will also not be in Russia for Spain, despite being one of the most highly rated fullbacks in Europe.
Regarding midfielders, Jack Wilshere and Radja Nianggolan's exclusions came as a shock to many a fan after the two midfielders shone for Arsenal and AS Roma, respectively, in the 2017/18 campaign, while Marseille's Dimitri Payet is another name set to miss out on the showpiece due to injury.
Want to see the rest of the 2018 World Cup Excluded XI? Browse the gallery above!
What do you think of this starting XI?
