(Football news) Brazilian FA have selected eight Premier League players for the World Cup Qualifiers in October, despite the country still being in the ‘red zone’ on the UK's travel list. In a controversial move last month, most English clubs refused to let their players participate in World Cup Qualifiers if they were held in red list countries as anyone travelling to Brazil from the United Kingdom is expected to quarantine for two weeks and 10 days when they arrive back in the UK.
The likes of Liverpool’s Alisson and Fabinho, Manchester City's Ederson and Gabriel Jesus, Chelsea defender Thiago Silva, Manchester United midfielder Fred, Leeds forward Raphinha and Tottenham defender Emerson Royal have been selected for matches against Venezuela, Colombia and Uruguay.
Brazil national team coordinator Juninho Paulista has claimed that the eight players have been recalled with the belief that an agreement will be in place next week that would allow players to travel without restrictions. "We've had lots of positive meetings with Fifa, the Premier League and the British government, and we trust that there will be a positive solution next week. That is why we have called them up," Paulista said.
However, the Brazilian Football Federation will have to reach a separate agreement with the UK’s health authorities to ensure the players do not have to quarantine on their arrival. Last month, a five-day suspension was enforced for players who did not travel for the World Cup qualifiers but were eventually cleared after extensive negotiations. Both the English and Brazilian FA will hope to avoid a repeat of a similar situation this time around.
For Liverpool, key players such as Alisson, Fabinho and Roberto Firmino represent the Brazilian national team and as per how things stand, they will not be able to select their players for almost a month if current travel restrictions are held. Jurgen Klopp has urged the United Kingdom government to find solutions to prevent another club vs country row.
"There must be a solution obviously, because we cannot just leave it like this and say it's not a problem. Yes, it is a problem," he said.
"I'm pretty sure the relevant people are working on this. I know they're working on this, but there's nothing decided yet, at least as far as I'm concerned. We have a problem when the Brazilians are allowed, or when they go, to the next internationals.
"I know it's a Liverpool problem and nobody else's problem, and good for Watford. (who they will face on 16th October). But I just don't know how you can do these kinds of things where nobody reacts on the schedule. We have two problems. One is the schedule, it was always a problem.
"TV and other guys, the Premier League, say, 'OK, that's how it is, they have to play, let's have a look how they can sort that. Another thing, it's not good for the players or the clubs as well and I hope the government comes up with some kind of solution."
