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.
Madrid
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.
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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).
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