Liverpool international watch: who’s playing, who’s already played, who’s impressed, injuries and TV details

It’s that time of the season when Kopites are left kicking their heels during the international break.

After a bright start to the season, picking up seven points from nine games, Liverpool have been stopped in their tracks as a host of their players head off for World Cup 2022 qualifies across the world.

The Reds, of course, have not allowed Brazilian trio Alisson, Fabinho and Roberto Firmino - along with Egypt’s Mo Salah - to meet up with their respective nations 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.

We take a look at how Liverpool’s players have fared on international duty so far, who’s still to play and how you can watch your favourite Reds stars in action.

Who has already played?

Virgil van Dijk made his return for the Netherlands after missing Euro 2020 as he continued his recovery following a long-term knee injury.

The centre-back skippered Holland to a 1-1 draw against Norway in Oslo but not without cost. He dislocated his finger and had to have it popped back in.

Louis van Gaal’s side have seven points from four matches in Group G and sit second.

Andy Robertson also donned the armband for Scotland but they fell to a 2-0 loss in Denmark. Robertson featured in an unfamiliar right-back role.

The Tartan Army are facing a stiff task to qualify for their first World Cup since 1998. They sit fourth in Group F after picking up four points from four games.

Meanwhile, Diogo Jota helped Cristiano Ronaldo create history in Portugal’s last-gasp 2-1 defeat of the Republic of Ireland.

The forward played the entire game as Ronaldo’s 96th-minute winner made him the highest international goalscorer of all time.

Portugal are in the driving seat in Group A with 10 points from four games.

Kostas Tsimikas’ Greece was on the wrong side of a 2-1 friendly loss to Switzerland.

In the African World Cup qualifiers, Sadio Mane ensured Senegal defeated Togo 2-0 in their opening Group H match and Naby Keita’s Guinea were held to a 1-1 draw with Guinea-Bissau in Group I.

On Thursday, Jordan Henderson and Trent Alexander-Arnold were both in the England squad for the 4-0 victory over Hungary.

Henderson came on with two minutes remaining while Alexander-Arnold was an unused sub.

The Three Lions maintained their perfect record in Group I.

Who is still to play?

Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott’s game for England under-21s against Romania tonight has been cancelled because of two positive coronavirus cases.

The young Lions’ clash with Kosovo on Monday evening is still due to go ahead.

Who has impressed so far?

Mane caught the eye in Senegal’s victory when he opened the scoring in the 56th minute.

Keita, meanwhile, registered an assist for Guinea with a well-weighted pass to set up Francois Kamano’s goal.

Has anyone picked up any injuries?

Van Dijk was involved in a gruesome moment when he dislocated his finger following a coming together with Erling Haaland. The defender had it popped into place to carry on.

Klopp will no doubt watch on nervously throughout the remaining games and hope none of his troops suffer any serious setbacks.

How to watch Liverpool’s players in action?

Jordan Henderson and Trent Alexander-Arnold: England v Andorra - Sunday, September 5 (17.00 BST) - ITV. Poland v England - Wednesday, September 8 (19.45 BST) - ITV.

Virgil van Dijk: Holland v Montenegro - Saturday, September 4 (19.45 BST) - Sky Sports Red Button. Holland v Turkey - Tuesday, September 7 (19.45 BST) - Sky Sports Red Button.

Andy Robertson: Scotland v Moldova - Saturday, September 4 (19.45 BST) - Sky Sports Football. Austria v Scotland - Tuesday, September 7 (19.45 BST) - Sky Sports Main Event.

Diogo Jota: Qatar v Portugal - Saturday, September 4 (17.45 BT) - Sky Sports Red Button. Azerbaijan v Portugal - Tuesday, September 7 (17.00 BST) - Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.

Kostas Tsimikas: Kosovo v Greece - Saturday, September 4 (19.45 BST) - Sky Sports Red Button. Greece vs Sweden - Wednesday, September 5 (19.45 BTS) - Sky Sports Red Button.

Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott: England under-21s v Kosovo under-21s- Tuesday, September 7 (19.00 BST) - Sky Sports Premier League.

📧 Contact us: email us at [email protected] or find us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.