10 Arsenal players who could play in the 2018 FIFA World Cup

With the 2017/18 season coming to an end quickly, many players will soon be finding out if they are playing in Russia this summer. Not every player in Arsenal will be playing in the upcoming World Cup as their country had failed to advance to the group stage, for instance, Armenia and Wales.

For the rest of the Arsenal squad, though, some players like Mesut Ozil and Laurent Koscielny are hot favourites to represent their national team in the competition. On that note, here is a list of Arsenal players who could be playing in the 2018 World Cup

#10 Laurent Koscielny

Koscielny sat out of the friendly against Colombia

The Arsenal vice-captain has been a regular for Didier Deschamps's side since his move to Arsenal. At 32 years of age, this will be Koscielny's last World Cup competition for France as he had mentioned last year.

Called up in 2011, the French international has amassed 50 caps under his name thus far. The agile and aerially dynamic centre-back has performed well for his country in major tournaments. However, a worry the team will have is Koscielny's troubling Achilles, which has forced him to miss a couple of Arsenal games.

Despite injury concerns, given his rich experience in playing at an international level, Koscielny will almost certainly be given a spot in the France national squad for the upcoming World Cup.

#9 Shkodran Mustafi

Mustafi has been with the senior squad since 2014

Making his full international debut in 2014, Mustafi has won the 2014 World Cup, 2017 Confederations Cup and participated in Euro 2016.

Not called up for the friendlies during this international break, there is a possibility that Mustafi may not be included in the Germany World Cup squad, however, as seen in the last few occasions, Mustafi has been known as the replacement to look for whenever a senior defender gets injured.

Consistent displays for Valencia and Arsenal over the last few years may be able to put him in a better standing to receive a call-up from Joachim Low, the national coach. Turning 26 this year, it is the defender's prime age to play in the World Cup for Germany.

Mustafi is able to provide stability at the backline and has proven that he can be a threat in the box during set-pieces. Many Germany players are eagerly awaiting their chance to shine too and Mustafi has to put in an extra amount of hard work to ensure that he gets into Low's good books.

#8 Nacho Monreal

Monreal has battled with injuries in recent weeks

His battle with injuries may have been the reason why he was left out of the Spain national team. There are many other Spanish left backs favoured over Nacho Monreal, as the Arsenal man has made just 21 appearances since 2009.

Contributing to the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, Monreal scored his first international goal in 2016. Although he is known as 'Mr. Reliable' for Arsenal, the options for Julen Lopetegui to choose from is simply a long list down.

It remains to be seen whether Monreal will be playing his last World Cup for Spain or has he been forgotten.

#7 Granit Xhaka

Granit Xhaka is definitely a player who will receive his call

A regular player for the Swiss national team, the 25 year old midfielder will hardly be missed out. Since making his international debut, Xhaka has played in 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016, where he missed his penalty and cost Switzerland's chance to advance further.

This season, he has displayed a better disciplinary record for Arsenal as compared to his first season, receiving fewer yellow cards in the process. Xhaka has also improved the prowess of his strong left foot, delivering accurate forward passes and shots.

It will Switzerland's loss to not call him. He is one of the best talents eligible to play for Switzerland and will certainly be travelling to Russia.

#6 Mohamed Elneny

Elneny has made 40 appearances for Egypt

Although the Egyptian has not been a regular for the Arsenal first team, he has often been called into action for the Egypt national team.

At the same time, Elneny was part of the team which clinched the Africa Cup of Nations runners-up back in 2017 and helped his team in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers. Mainly deployed as a defensive midfielder, Arsenal has also explored playing him in various positions at the back. For Egypt, Elneny continues to play in the midfield, where he is best suited in the team.

Egypt is one of the weaker teams in the competition, but with team-mate, Mohammed Salah, dominating the Premier League scoring charts, Egypt may pull off a shocker, giving Elneny a chance to impress too.

#5 Mesut Ozil

Instrumental in the attack, Ozil has been highly valued by all

It will be a shocker if Mesut Ozil were to be dropped from the Germany World Cup squad. The Arsenal magician dominates the attacking midfield which his wide range of skill sets. He is superb in finding the right player, in his flicks and crosses.

One key issue Joachim Low will have when playing Ozil is that he seldom helps his team defend. Ozil focuses mainly on the attack and will form a formidable partnership with Leroy Sane and Ilkay Gundogan.

Versatile in the midfield, he has played in two World Cups and two European Championships, aiding his country to vital victories in all competitions. The German playmaker will be a player to look out in the World Cup.

#4 Jack Wilshere

Wilshere has been ruled out of the England squad ahead of the match against Italy

In a huge blow ahead of the World Cup, Jack Wilshere will be missing England's friendlies. His fitness has drastically improved this season, so it is a major upset that he will have to miss the friendlies despite receiving a call-up from Southgate.

This threatens Wilshere's chance of representing England and the remaining games that he will play for Arsenal will be vital in the selection process. A bright talent for Arsenal and England, Wilshere has illustrated his capabilities whenever possible, especially in the Europa League.

It is a joy to see Wilshere play but the chances of him wearing the England shirt in Russia this summer are slim. There is a chance that he could be called on board if Southgate trusts Wilshere, though.

#3 Alex Iwobi

Alex Iwobi has been a star performer for Nigeria

In his youth days, Iwobi played for England's youth squad before switching allegiance to join Nigeria in 2015.

Iwobi has played 14 times as of October 2017, playing a role in Nigeria's 2018 World Cup qualifiers. Nigeria enter the World Cup without high hopes, knowing that they are the underdogs of the competition.

Iwobi and his team-mates, however, deserve the chance to show what the Nigeria football team is capable of and it will be vital in Nigeria's football development. His work rate and pace should guarantee him a spot in for The Eagles.

#2 Alexandre Lacazette

The possibility of him playing for Les Blues is average

Lacazette was in spectacular form when playing for Lyon in Ligue 1. Since his high profile move to Arsenal, he has not been scoring as frequently as desired. With his recent injury, it further jeopardises his call-up for the France national team.

Leading the front line, France has Kylian Mbappe, Olivier Giroud and Antoine Greizmann. There is seemingly a lack of space to accommodate the Arsenal forward this summer. Regardless, there is still a chance for Didier Deschamps to get Lacazette into the squad.

#1 David Ospina

Ospina has not been performing consistently for Colombia

Ospina has made a couple of mistakes en route to Colombia's entry into the World Cup. His mistakes have allowed opponents to score easily against the South American team.

His weaknesses are undeniable but he largely remains as Colombia's first choice goalkeeper. Since joining the senior national team in 2007, Ospina has played 84 times. His standout performance remains in the 2014 World Cup qualification where he conceded the fewest goals in the tournament.

It is highly unlikely that he will face the axe despite his mistakes.