Brazil trio Roberto Firmino, Fabinho and Alisson banned from playing for Liverpool - who will replace them?

Liverpool’s trio of Brazilians are among eight players banned from playing for their Premier League clubs this weekend after the country’s federation (CBF) invoked a FIFA rule to prevent them appearing.

Roberto Firmino, Fabinho and Alisson Becker did not report for international duty with Brazil after Liverpool stopped them traveling to countries that are on the UK’s Covid-19 red list.

Players not released by their clubs can be banned for the five days following an international break under the FIFA regulations.

What games will they miss?

The FIFA ban will run from September 10 to September 14, meaning the trio will miss Liverpool’s game away at Leeds United on Sunday.

Had Firmino, Fabinho and Alisson joined up with the Brazil squad for World Cup 2022 qualifiers against Chile and Peru they would have had to quarantine in a hotel for 10 days upon their return to the UK - even if double vaccinated.

In that scenario, they would have missed the game against Leeds, a Champions League match against AC Milan on September 15, plus the following weekend’s Premier League match against Crystal Palace at Anfield and a midweek  Carabao Cup tie at Norwich City.

What happens now?

As the trio did not travel and do not have to quarantine, they will be able to continue to train with the Reds squad.

In all likelihood, if fit, they will return to action against AC Milan, the day after the suspension expires.

However, we could go through whole situation again in October and November if the UK government once again refuse to grant international travel exemptions for footballers, as requested by FIFA president Gianni Infantin.

Why did Everton’s Richarlison not get banned?

Chelsea defender Thiago Silva, Manchester United midfielder Fred, Manchester City pair Ederson and Gabriel Jesus and Leeds forward Raphinha were the other Brazilians suspended under the CBF’s appeal to FIFA.

Everton forward Richarlison did not join up with Brazil but had a busy summer representing his nation at the Olympics, where he won a gold medal, and the Copa America, when he helped the Selecao reach the final.

It is thought the CBF showed leniency to the 24-year-old given that the Toffees had allowed the forward to play for Brazil all through the summer.

Who will replace Liverpool’s Brazilians against Leeds?

Goalkeeper Alisson has played all 270 minutes of the season so far but is probably one of the most straight forward to replace in terms of personnel, if not like-for-like quality.

Academy graduate Caoimhin Kelleher signed a new long-term contract in June and has moved ahead of Adrian in the Anfield pecking order.

Named on the bench for the first three games of the campaign he will likely replace Liverpool’s £54m Brazilian between the posts.

Firmino limped off after 42 minutes of Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea before the international break with what looked like a hamstring injury and was expected to be out for a few weeks anyway.

The Brazilian made his first start of the season against the Blues. Diogo Jota was preferred in the two opening games against Norwich City and Burnley.

The Portuguese scored in both of those matches so it should be an easy decision to restore him to the starting lineup.

Defensive midfielder Fabinho also made his first start of the season against Chelsea, with James Milner and then Jordan Henderson featuring in the anchorman role for the first two games.

Milner picked up a knock on the opening day of the season and has not played since. It is still unclear whether he will be fit enough to feature against his former club Leeds on Sunday.

With fellow midfielder Naby Keita delayed in his return from international duty with Guinea after getting caught in a military coup, Reds boss Jurgen Klopp may have a few tough decisions to make in the middle of the pitch.

📧Contact us: email us at [email protected] or find us onFacebook,Instagram orTwitter.