Real Madrid fear five key players being involved in play-offs
Cristiano, Bale, Modric, Kovacic and Varane are potential absentees with Croatia and Wales facing possible elimination with defeat against Ukraine and Ireland respectively.
MadridUpdate:
Real Madrid are following developments in the UEFA zone World Cup qualifying campaign with close interest given that five key players could potentially be involved in a play-off to secure a final ticket for Russia 2018.
Full screen
The affected players are: Cristiano (Portugal), Bale (Wales), Modric, Kovacic (Croatia) and Varane (France) with the latest round of fixtures key in establishing who has a ticket to Russia and what sides will have to undergo a home and away play-off in November with a Madrid derby looming for Zidane's men just days after the second leg.
The UEFA play-off dates are scheduled with first legs taking place on and between November 9-11 with the return fixtures being played on November 12-14 (inclusive).
| Classification | PTS | WM | TM | LM |
|---|
| Upcoming matches |
|---|