Premier League clubs fear they are LOSING their battle to bring South American stars back from international duty early as sides face up to possibility of players missing first game after two-week break
- Top flight clubs fear they are losing battle to bring South Americans back early
- Premier League sides have asked their players to consider withdrawing early
- However, countries are not budging and stars do not want to apply pressure
- It has left clubs facing up to possibility of missing key stars for first game back
- Liverpool could be without Alisson Becker and Fabinho for their trip to Watford
Premier League clubs fear they are losing the battle to have their South American stars released early from international duty, in time to line up in the next round of top-flight matches.
As revealed by Sportsmail on Tuesday, Premier League sides had asked their players to consider withdrawing from their countries’ final World Cup qualifiers, with Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay all playing just a day before the domestic action recommences.
Talks have also taken place between the clubs and relevant national federations in a bid to reach an agreement.
Premier League clubs fear they will lose their battle to get their South Americans back early
The issue involving the late international break fixtures impacts Aston Villa, Chelsea, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham.
Though no final decision has been reached, the nations involved are currently refusing to budge, while there is also an acknowledgement by clubs of the players’ desire to represent their countries — and reluctance to apply too much pressure.
That has left some of the clubs fearing their players will probably remain with their national teams for the entire international break, leaving their participation in the first game back in doubt.
As also revealed by Sportsmail, clubs were looking into the logistics of getting their players back to England in time for their next Premier League games even if they were involved in the final qualifiers.
A host of clubs, including Liverpool, are facing the possibility of being without key stars for their first game back after the international break
Alisson Becker and Fabinho could miss Liverpool’s trip to Vicarage Road to face Watford
It is believed there is sufficient time between the two games to get them back to England in time.
However, the turnaround is likely to be too tight for Liverpool, who have the earliest kick-off of the affected clubs.
Goalkeeper Alisson and midfielder Fabinho could be involved in Brazil’s 1.30am kick-off on Friday, October 15.
With a lunchtime start at Watford on Saturday October 16, Liverpool asked the Hornets to move the game back to 7.45pm.
That request was rejected by Watford, who felt it would cause too much disruption to supporters who had already made travel plans, leaving Liverpool facing the prospect of being without their Brazilian duo at Vicarage Road.
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