Liverpool international watch: Naby Keita caught in Guinea military coup, injury concerns and TV details

Kopites had to make do with watching their favourite Liverpool stars in action on the international stage at the weekend.

World Cup 2022 qualifying matches stopped Jurgen Klopp’s side in their tracks after picking up seven points from their opening three Premier League games of the season.

The Reds, of course, have not allowed Alisson, Fabinho and Roberto Firmino to meet up with Brazil due to coronavirus regulations.

Travel restrictions amid the COVID-19 pandemic mean anyone entering the United Kingdom from red zone countries have to quarantine in a hotel for 10 days - even if double vaccinated.

But Mo Salah, who had also been blocked from representing Egypt, was granted permission to feature in their encounter in Gabon, which is on the amber list.

We round up how Liverpool’s players have fared in their latest games, who’s still to play and how you can watch the remaining matches.

Keita caught up in coup

Naby Keita was caught up in an attempted military coup that has forced Guinea’s clash with Morocco today to be cancelled.

FIFA and African confederation CAF called off the clash after heavy gunfire around the presidential palace in Conakry . There was also an apparent seizure of power by armed soldiers.

Morocco’s squad had to be evacuated from the country after being trapped in their hotel.

Keita is still in his native land and it’s unclear how he will return with borders shut.

A spokesman for Liverpool said: “We are in constant contact with Naby and have had regular communication via his national team management. We are satisfied that he is safe and well cared for.

“Obviously the situation is fluid and we will maintain regular dialogue with the relevant authorities as we work to get Naby back to Liverpool in a timely and secure manner.”

Trent experiment fails

Trent Alexander-Arnold was deployed in midfield during England’s 4-0 defeat of Andorra.

However, the 24-year-old right-back struggled to adapt to his new role despite the easy victory for Gareth Southgate’s side at Wembley.

Alexander-Arnold featured alongside Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson in the engine room. Both played the entire 90 minutes to maintain the Three Lions’ perfect record in Group I.

The pair will hope to feature for England against Poland on Wednesday.

Despite a late meet up, Salah couldn’t inspire Egypt to victory. The Pharoah’s drew 1-1 against Gabon.

Virgil van Dijk was given a rest from Holland duty as they eased to a 4-0 victory over Montenegro. The centre-back is likely to return to skipper his country when they host Turkey on Tuesday.

Diogo Jota came off the bench with 31 minutes remaining as Portugal defeated World Cup hosts Qatar 3-1 in a friendly. Portugal sit joint-top in Group A with 10 points and face Azerbaijan on Tuesday.

Kostas Tsimikas was brought off two minutes from full-time as Greece were held to a 1-1 draw against Kosovo. Greece head to Sweden on Wednesday and are fourth in Group B.

Caoimhin Kelleher was again left on the bench as the Republic of Ireland spared their blushes with a late equaliser to clinch a 1-1 draw against Azerbaijan in Dublin.

It was Ireland’s first point in Group A and they face joint-leaders Serbia on Tuesday.

Has anyone picked up any injuries?

Takumi Minamino has been forced to withdraw from Japan’s squad after an injury setback.

He did not feature in a 1-0 loss to Oman last week and won’t be present for their clash with China on Tuesday.

The nature and severity of Minamino’s injury is currently unclear.

Klopp’s been handed more bad news after Harvey Elliott was forced to withdraw from the England under-21 squad ahead of a clash against Kosovo tomorrow.

The 18-year-old has started Liverpool’s past two games.

On Saturday, Andy Robertson was withdrawn after 74 minutes in Scotland’s much-needed 1-0 victory over Moldova.

Tartan Army boss Steve Clarke said that was always the plan, though, with the left-back only recently recovering from ankle ligament damage.

Robertson is again set to captain Scotland, who sit third in Group F with eight points, for their game against Austria on Tuesday.

Who’s still to play

Sadio Mane will be back in action for Senegal’s clash with Congo (05.00 BST) on Tuesday after he netted in their 2-0 defeat of Togo last week.

Curtis Jones is away with England under-21s but is suspended for tomorrow’s clash against Kosovo.

How to watch Liverpool’s players in action

Jordan Henderson and Trent Alexander-Arnold: Poland v England - Wednesday, September 8 (19.45 BST) - ITV.

Virgil van Dijk: Holland v Turkey - Tuesday, September 7 (19.45 BST) - Sky Sports Red Button.

Andy Robertson: Austria v Scotland - Tuesday, September 7 (19.45 BST) - Sky Sports Main Event.

Diogo Jota: Azerbaijan v Portugal - Tuesday, September 7 (17.00 BST) - Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.

Kostas Tsimikas: Greece vs Sweden - Wednesday, September 5 (19.45 BST) - Sky Sports Red Button.

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