Five of the stars missing at the Club World Cup

BARCELONA – Fifa’s inaugural expanded Club World Cup in the United States has US$1 billion of prize money on the line but will be missing some of the game’s star names.

Here are five players who will not be lighting up stadiums across the United States once it gets under way this weekend.

1. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Liverpool finished as English champions, but like Spain’s Barcelona and Italy’s Napoli, will not be at the Club World Cup, because of the convoluted qualification process.

That means Egyptian winger Salah, who broke the Premier League record for goal involvements, with 29 strikes and 18 assists, misses out.

After a tiring season in which he faded in the latter months, he might not be too upset about a summer off.

However it will be a shame that African football icon Salah, captain Virgil van Dijk and others miss out on the chance of a potential rematch against their Champions League conquerors Paris Saint-Germain.

Liverpool transfer target Florian Wirtz will also be absent, as his side Bayer Leverkusen did not qualify.

2. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)

No player in world football this season has offered more excitement than Barcelona’s 17-year-old star Lamine Yamal.

The Spain winger has been in sensational form for his club this season and is one of the candidates to win the Ballon d’Or.

His thrilling dribbling and penchant for the spectacular make him one of the biggest draws at the moment.

He is often compared to former Barcelona great Lionel Messi, but because of the Spanish champions’ absence, may have missed out on his only chance to face the Argentina star, who will be there with Inter Miami.

Barcelona’s Raphinha, midfield maestro Pedri and veteran striker Robert Lewandowski are others who will be missed.