There has been a big omission in Tunisia’s squad list for Russia 2018.

The Carthage Eagles will return to the world stage for the fifth time after missing out in the last three editions of the competition. However, a tough test awaits them as they will fancy their chances against Belgium, England, and Panama in Group G.

Coach's Objective

The odds are in favor of both England and Belgium to sail through ahead of the pack due to their respective in-depth and talented squads. Nevertheless, Tunisia's impressive qualification campaign could serve as a huge motivation and further aid the North Africans to spoil the party for the favorites. It will be difficult but a top two finish will pretty much be satisfactory for Coach Nabil Maaloul's side.

New Faces

22-year-old French-born Ellyes Skhiri could feature in his first World Cup after being named in the final squad. The defender debuted in Tunisia's win over Iran and subsequently featured in the victory over Costa Rica back in March. Olympique Marseille's Saîf-Eddine Khaoui is also among the potential debutant at Russia.

Veterans

Goalkeeper and skipper of the side Aymen Mathlouthi, alongside the experienced Syam Ben Youssef, Mohamed Amine Ben Amor and Ahmed Akaichi could all make their bow at Russia should they make the final 23-man list.

Absentees

The most notable omission is of course that of industrious forward Youssef Msakni. Despite carrying the Carthegians to the World Cup by bagging a hattrick in his side's last but one qualifying game against Guinea, the 27-year-old has been sidelined after injuring his knee while playing for his Qatari club. Talisman Yassine Khenissi was also omitted as he's recuperating from an injury.

Full Squad list:

Goalkeepers: Farouk Ben Mustapha, Moez Hassen, Aymen Mathlouthi

Defenders: Rami Bedoui, Yohan Benalouane, Syam Ben Youssef, Dylan Bronn, Oussama Haddadi, Ali Maaloul, Yassine Meriah, Hamdi Nagguez

Midfielders: Anice Badri, Mohamed Amine Ben Amor, Ghaylene Chaalali, Ahmed Khalil, Saifeddine Khaoui, Ferjani Sassi, Ellyes Skhiri, Naim Sliti, Bassem Srarfi

Forwards: Fakhreddine Ben Youssef, Saber Khalifa, Wahbi Khazri

Tunisia's World Cup Group stage matches: