Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Leeds are not expected to call upon their South American internationals this weekend in the aftermath of last night’s World Cup qualifier as Brazil thrashed Uruguay 4-1 in Manaus. Nine Premier League stars are now in transit and on their way back to the UK after their clubs joined forces to lay on a chartered private jet straight after the match.
The motive was to give the players the best chance of featuring in this weekend’s Premier League matches but it was always going to be a race against the clock.
As well as battling jet lag, the majority were expected to feature in the match, which took place in the early hours of Friday morning and that is what happened, in a blow for their club managers.
Liverpool did receive a small boost in the fact Alisson did not feature as Ederson got the nod between the sticks for the Selecao.
Yet even still, the Reds play before any other of their affected rivals in the 12.30pm kick-off at Watford on Saturday.
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Man City’s Gabriel Jesus also joined club colleague Ederson in the starting XI for Brazil, although he was taken off on the hour mark.
Chelsea defender Thiago Silva also played the full match at the heart of the Brazil defence.
Leeds look also set to be without Raphinha, who continued his impressive rise with a brace for Brazil last night.
The tricky winger, who is attracting interest from Liverpool, is continuing to catch the eye and was recently lauded by Brazil legend Rivaldo.
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Marcelo Bielsa is now unlikely to pick his forward on Saturday though when Leeds travel to the south coast to take on Southampton, although he was taken off with 20 minutes to go.
Finally, Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz played the final 20 minutes after replacing Fabinho.
Dean Smith’s side host Wolves tomorrow at 3pm, which may give him an outside chance on featuring for his club.
Alterations to the red-list and changes to quarantine restrictions for footballers mean all of the players will be available for selection, permitting their managers deem them ready to play.
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