Liverpool will finally get their playing squad back to Melwood over the next day or so, as the international break comes to a close.
It has been a potentially costly one for Jurgen Klopp and his Reds, with a handful of players either picking up injuries or confirming that they’ve had ongoing issues.
Huddersfield Town await at the weekend and Klopp will run the rule over his squad’s fitness levels—and a fair few should return in good spirits after positive run-outs with their national sides.
The one downside is an injury to Naby Keita—though the midfielder was optimistic it wouldn’t be a big issue.
Here’s a full round-up of all seven Reds in action on Tuesday—now let’s get them back and ready for the weekend!
Headline acts: One positive, one negative
Harry Wilson made headlines not too long ago with a ridiculously good free-kick, scored at Old Trafford no less.
On loan at Derby County, he has scored once in seven Championship games thus far—but another blinding free-kick for Wales means it’s three goals in seven appearances across all competitions for the wide man.
His strike, netted just before the hour-mark in Dublin, gave Wales a 1-0 Nations League victory over Ireland. Ben Woodburn was an unused sub for Wales.
Elsewhere, as mentioned, Naby Keita picked up an injury and, with James Milner more than likely set to miss the weekend fixture, Klopp’s midfield options could be significantly depleted.
Keita was helped off the field late on in the first half, which saw Guinea draw their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier with Rwanda, 1-1.
He faces a scan upon his return to Merseyside, joining a growing list of potential absentees for the Reds’ first game back.
Five more Reds were in action
Starting from the back, two goalkeepers saw action on Tuesday evening.
First up there was a rare outing for Simon Mignolet, playing just his second match of the season for club or country.
Roberto Martinez opted to start Mignolet ahead of Thibaut Courtois for Belgium’s friendly against Netherlands, but he was unable to keep a clean sheet in the 1-1 draw.
Gini Wijnaldum was an unused sub in the match.
The other No. 1 to feature was the Reds’ first choice, Alisson, as he played the full 90 minutes of Brazil’s 1-0 win over Argentina in Saudi Arabia.
An Argentine attack comprised of Paulo Dybala, Mauro Icardi and Angel Correa couldn’t find a way past Alisson, as Brazil dominated much of the game.
Roberto Firmino also featured for the full 90, with Tite this time opting to field both the Reds’ No. 9 and Man City‘s Gabriel Jesus from the start.
Early in the second half, Fabinho made an appearance off the bench and featured at right-back once more.
Finally, Dominic Solanke was in action for the England U21s side, as they beat their Scotland counterparts 2-0 in a European Championships qualifier.
Solanke played the full 90 minutes, but did not get on the scoresheet.
Early returns
Several Reds were in action on the international scene on Monday, too, meaning they’ll already be back or close to a return to Merseyside by now.
Joe Gomez started for England in their surprise 3-2 Nations League win over Spain, playing the full 90 minutes in central defence.
It was a notable reward for Gomez and the strides he’s made this season with his form and consistency.
Meanwhile, Trent Alexander-Arnold came on as a late sub, playing around the last five minutes to help England see out the win.
Xherdan Shaqiri played the full 90 minutes for Switzerland as they beat Iceland 2-1 in a Nations League match.
The attacking midfielder claimed an assist for the second goal to continue his productive recent form.
There was also game time for Dejan Lovren, who played the first half of Croatia’s 2-1 friendly win over Jordan.
Youngsters in action
Several of the Reds’ youth prospects kept their international careers on track too.
Kamil Grabara played the full match as Poland’s U21s beat Georgia 3-0 in a Euro Championships qualifier.
Isaac Christie-Davies came on as a late sub for Wales U21 in a 3-1 win over Switzerland.
And Liam Millar represented Canada’s senior side in a 5-0 win over Dominica in a CONCACAF Nations League qualifier.
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