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World Cup rejection XI: 11 players axed from their national teams

By Daniel Mercieca

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 10: Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal reacts following a missed chance during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on February 10, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 10: Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal reacts following a missed chance during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on February 10, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
(Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images) /

Centre back – David Luiz

Another in the stubborn backbone of Chelsea’s 2016/17 victors, David Luiz has fallen horribly out of favour at Stamford Bridge.

His lamentable display in Brazil’s 7-1 thrashing at the hands of Germany four years ago would always make it difficult for the ex-PSG man to break back into the Selecao side, and dropping to the Chelsea sidelines only made the decision easier for Tite.

Luiz was never really in contention, but for a man that revolutionised defending two seasons ago it is a shame to see him plunge from stardom.

Centre back – Aymeric Laporte

The first of a few Frenchmen to make this unwanted squad. Didier Deschamps was spoilt for choice when picking his World Cup 23, and while he has a team peppered with luminaries, there are plenty left in the harsh cold despite strong seasons at club level.

Aymeric Laporte is one of those – he earned a move to Manchester City from Athletic Bilbao and has shown glimpses in a Sky Blue shirt.

The toil of having to compete with Otamendi and Kompany seldom saw him put together a consistent run, but the centre half looks a prospect for the future. Perhaps that is Deschamps’ mentality too.

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