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Liverpool coach Jürgen Klopp’s “concern” about the international break

Firmino (left) Alisson (center) and Fabinho were all called up from Brazil
Firmino (left) Alisson (center) and Fabinho were all called up from Brazil

Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp says he is “slightly concerned” about his players playing for their countries in the Covid-19 pandemic.

Klopp will lose its international players after Sunday’s game against Aston Villa before returning to the Premier League on October 17th.

“I don’t want to sound disrespectful about how other countries do it,” said the German.

“But this is the place we know and we know how to deal with it.”

Klopp added: “So I am a little concerned because it is difficult to be in touch with all the FAs [football associations] worldwide.

“I get it, I really understand how difficult the situation is, but the information we get from certain FAs isn’t exactly perfect.”

Liverpool trio Alisson Becker, Fabinho and Roberto Firmino were selected for Brazil, which will play a home game against Bolivia before traveling to Peru to qualify for the World Cup.

The Reds’ first game after the international break is the Merseyside derby against Everton on October 17th.

“We send the players away and then we have another challenge because we have to play a Premier League game on a Saturday after they arrived from Peru on Thursday or Friday,” said Klopp.

“You have to make sure you get the players home the fastest and safest and then we have to see how they are before we try to get a result on Saturday.”

England calls for “win-win” for Henderson

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has been named to the English squad but Klopp says this is a “win-win” situation as the midfielder is recovering from a knee injury.

Henderson has not played at halftime since beating Chelsea on September 20.

“I was in close contact with [England manager] Gareth Southgate and it is clear that he will use his time with the national team to get fit, “added Klopp.

“Hendo had four or five days of normal preseason before playing his first game for us because of the situation we were in.

“He played against Chelsea and got this minor injury that wasn’t serious but he has been working on his physical stuff for a few days, but now [it will be] more football-specific with us and then with the national team.

“He will have minutes for England, which is a real win-win situation that I’m really excited about.”

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