Revealed: the Everton and Liverpool players banned from international duty for matches on UK’s Covid red list

Everton and Liverpool have refused to release a combined eight players from taking part in World Cup qualifiers next month.

The Merseyside pair have joined forces with 17 other Premier League clubs to stop internationals representing their respective countries in red zone countries.

What’s been said

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

Premier League players are not exempt from the rules.

It’s led to top-flight clubs unanimously deciding to take action following a meeting on Tuesday.

In total, almost 60 players from 19 Premier League teams were due to travel to 26 red list countries during the September international window.

Premier League chief executive, Richard Masters, said: “Premier League clubs have always supported their players’ desires to represent their countries – this is a matter of pride for all concerned.

“However, clubs have reluctantly but rightly come to the conclusion that it would be entirely unreasonable to release players under these new circumstances.

“Quarantine requirements mean that players’ welfare and fitness will be significantly impacted.

“We understand the challenges that exist in the international match calendar and remain open to workable solutions.”

Who Everton are not releasing

Richarlison helped Brazil reach the Copa America final and then inspired his country to win gold at the Olympics in Tokyo earlier this summer.

However, the striker cannot link up with his nation for games against Chile (September 3), Argentina (September 5) and Peru (September 10).

Colombia pair James Rodriguez and Yerry Mina will be absent for fixtures against Bolivia (September 2), Paraguay (September 5) and Chile (September 10).

Cenk Tosun is still sidelined with a long-term knee injury. If he was fit, he wouldn’t have been allowed to play for Turkey in their encounters with Montenegro (September 1), Gibraltar (September 4) and Holland (September 7).

Who Liverpool are not releasing

Egypt have suffered a major blow with Mohamed Salah being banned from their games with Angola (September 2) and Gabon (September 5).

The Egyptian FA revealed on Monday that Liverpool had sent a letter explaining why the forward would not be allowed to represent his nation.

Meanwhile, Brazil will be three Reds players short for their aforementioned matches.

Goalkeeper Alisson Becker, midfielder Fabinho and striker Roberto Firmino are all not permitted to fly out to South America.

The club matches they would have missed

If Everton allowed their four players to go on international duty, they’d have been absent for the Premier League visit of Burnley on Monday, September 13 and the trip to Aston Villa on Saturday, September 18 due to quarantine rules.

Meanwhile, Liverpool would have been without their quartet for a clash with Leeds United at Elland Road on Sunday, September 12 and a meeting with Crystal Palace at Anfield on Saturday, September 18.

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