Liverpool could be without a number of key players on the opening day of the 2021/22 season as they progress to the latter stages of international tournaments this summer.
Whilst Thiago was part of the Spain side eliminated at the semi-final stages of Euro 2020 last night, potentially freeing up the midfielder, Jordan Henderson will be hoping to go all the way with England.
Meanwhile, Brazilian trio Fabinho, Alisson Becker and Roberto Firmino have already secured their place in a showpiece event as they prepare to face Argentina in the Copa America final.
According to a report from the Liverpool Echo, as cited by David Lynch on Twitter, this could mean that a host of the aforementioned Reds are unavailable for the top to Norwich City on August 14.
Twitter: #LFC keen to give their internationals more than three weeks off after a gruelling season, meaning a number of play… https://t.co/3pjlvPq5c7 (@dmlynch)
Based on that timescale, the aforementioned players would report back to Kirkby around August 9 having enjoyed a richly deserved break after a tough season and lengthy international duty.
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Player welfare is a matter close to Jurgen Klopp’s heart and one the German manager is unlikely to overlook ahead of another long season.
Whilst losing any of the key players would be a blow to the Reds’ chances, in particular in the midfield department without Fabinho and potentially Henderson, if the squad can’t cope on an opening day then there is a wider issue.
Furthermore, given the star’s will likely be involved in some capacity in the build-up to the trip to Carrow Road, it’s imminently possible they would at least be part of the matchday squad.
