- Seven Liverpool players in action on Tuesday
- Delight for Alexander Isak, but heartbreak for Federico Chiesa
- Another injury headache for Arne Slot
Liverpool players were in action for the final time this season with their national teams on Tuesday, March 31. Six players took the pitch for the senior sides, while others watched on from the sidelines.
Alexander Isak heading to the FIFA World Cup
Alexander Isak is still recovering from his injury and had to stay back to watch Sweden take on Poland in the final FIFA World Cup playoffs. The forward likely endured a tense evening of spectating, given that his side waited until the final moments to confirm their qualification for the upcoming summer tournament.
Anthony Elanga gave the Swedes an early lead, but it lasted just 14 minutes as Nicola Zalewski equalised in the 33rd minute. However, they retook the lead right at halftime, with Gustaf Lagerbielke scoring the goal.
The second half did not start well as Karol Swiderski pulled the away side level within 10 minutes of the restart. The game looked set for extra time, but Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres scored with two minutes left in normal time to seal a 3-2 win and a spot at the FIFA World Cup.
Federico Chiesa’s Italy suffer another FIFA World Cup heartbreak
Federico Chiesa pulled out of the Italy squad last week and he was handed more bad news yesterday as they failed to qualify for the 2026 edition. Bosnia and Herzegovina beat the EURO 2022 winners in the penalty shootout, stopping the Italians from qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for a third successive time.
Moise Kean had given them an early lead, but a red card to Alessandro Bastoni saw the home side take more control of the game. The pressure paid off in the second half with Haris Tabakovic’s equalizer sending the match to extra time.
Pio Esposito skied his penalty, while Bryan Cristante saw his effort come off the bar. All Bosnia and Herzegovina players scored their penalties and sealed a 4-1 win and a place at the FIFA World Cup.
Three Liverpool players in action for the Netherlands
Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo started for the Netherlands in a friendly against Ecuador. They were taken off in the second half as Ronald Koeman managed his players minutes and gave the bench a chance to impress.
Jeremie Frimpong’s evening was frustratingly short-lived after being introduced at halftime, he was forced off with an injury just 13 minutes later. Meanwhile, Ryan Gravenberch remained an unused substitute, handing the midfielder a timely breather ahead of Liverpool’s grueling upcoming schedule.
Liverpool trio face off in friendly clash while Andy Robertson captained Scotland
Milos Kerkez and Dominik Szoboszlai were in action for Hungary last night, taking on Kostas Tsimikas’ Greece. The game ended goalless with the Liverpool duo playing the full game.
The two Reds stars playing the full 90 minutes come as a surprise after Hungary boss Marco Rossi hinted he planned to manage his players minutes. Tsimikas, who is on loan at AS Roma, also played the whole game.
The other Liverpool left-back, Andy Robertson, was also in action on Tuesday, captaining Scotland against the Ivory Coast. He ended up on the losing side, with Nicolas Pepe scoring the lone goal of the match.
What next for Liverpool?
Liverpool players will head back to Merseyside within the next 24 hours. Arne Slot and the players who were not on international duty will be gearing up for the FA Cup clash against Manchester City on Saturday, April 4.
The Reds face Paris Saint Germain in Paris next week in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals first leg, then host Fulham in the Premier League, before the second leg against the French side.
