Coronavirus: What South American players could miss Premier League games?

Updated: 13 Oct 2021 18:31 BST
3 min read

Liverpool midfielder Fabinho — © ProShots

Premier League clubs could be without some of their most important players in this weekend's round of fixtures due to CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying.

South American nations will still be competing on Thursday evening, with the first Premier League game of the weekend at Saturday lunchtime.

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That means that certain players would have to lace up for their domestic sides as little as 35 hours after representing their national team, seemingly highly unlikely.

As a result, up to 16 players could miss their club's league matches having not had enough time to recover from their international duties.

A total of nine teams could be affected by the situation, some more likely than others, as South American nations refused to send their players home early.

What South American Liverpool players could be missing?

Alisson and Fabinho

Liverpool could be without two of their Brazilian stars for their away match against Watford on Saturday. But, although Jurgen Klopp won't see it this way, if the Reds had to miss two of their starting lineup for a Premier League match this one would be near the top of the list.

What South American Manchester City players could be missing?

Ederson and Gabriel Jesus

Ederson is more likely to remain in Pep Guardiola's side, as a goalkeeper, but also given Zach Steffen's involvement with the US national team just a day earlier. Gabriel Jesus shouldn't be needed at home to Burnley given the plethora of attacking talent in the Citizens squad.

What South American Manchester United players could be missing?

Fred and Edinson Cavani

Fred's absence will give manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer an interesting decision to make, with Paul Pogba, Scott McTominay, Nemanja Matic and Donny van de Beek equipped to fill in. As for Cavani, it is unlikely that the Uruguayan would have featured anyway.

What South American Aston Villa players could be missing?

Emi Martinez and Douglas Luiz

Martinez has been a revelation at Aston Villa since signing from Arsenal and would represent a huge loss to the side. Luiz, too, remains an important part of Dean Smith's team.

What South American Leeds players could be missing?

Raphinha

Raphinha is yet to hit the heights of last season, which could have something to do with Leeds' poor start to the season. Marcelo Bielsa could be without one of his main men against Southampton this weekend.

What South American Chelsea players could be missing?

Thiago Silva

Thomas Tuchel won't risk Thiago Silva in Chelsea's game against newly-promoted Brentford. The league leaders have an abundance of in-form defenders to choose from.

What other South American Premier League players could be missing?

Cristian Romero, Giovani Lo Celso, Emerson Royal and Davinson Sanchez - Tottenham

Miguel Almiron - Newcastle

Yerry Mina - Everton

These Premier League players have an extra day to recover from their international duties and are therefore more likely to feature, on Sunday, than the previous lists of players.