Liverpool have reportedly been instructed by FIFA that the club will be unable to field their Brazil internationals during the period of the 10th-14th September.
This follows a turbulent week in international football as Reds’ midfielder Naby Keita became caught up in political controversy whilst Argentina against Brazil was stopped after a matter of minutes.
The match between the South American powerhouses was postponed as officials stormed the pitch in order to remove Argentinian stars that had arrived from Premier League clubs.
Reliable journalist Paul Joyce at The Times, as cited on Twitter, has claimed that the Brazilian Football Confederation have put in motion a move to stop English club’s playing their nation’s players who refused to travel.
Twitter: Five PL clubs set to be without Brazilian players between September 10-14 – Everton can select Richarlison due to g… https://t.co/EtApeBb1gS (@_pauljoyce)
As it stands, Jurgen Klopp will be unable to pick Alisson Becker or Fabinho or risk sanctions, whilst Roberto Firmino was unavailable for the trip due to injury.
The governing body are able to ban players for five days after an international window ends if they are not released to play – an option that has been invoked by the Brazilian FA.
READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT
Well, this is all a little farcical.
Given the strict quarantine rules in place both in the UK and South America, players joining up with their national sides would’ve led to missing a short period of time.
Whilst the club are likely to challenge such a ruling, especially given the nature of the abandonment of the fixture, the possibility of missing two key players looms large.
One saving grace could perhaps be that Sunday’s opponents Leeds United will also be without Raphinha for the clash at Elland Road, albeit small mercy.
Should Alisson Becker be unavailable, Klopp will have a decision to make whether Adrian or Caoimhin Kelleher takes the gloves.
