Jurgen Klopp will block Liverpool players from going on international duty if quarantine is required

ByRichard Newman

Updated 03/03/2021 at 15:49 GMT

The Liverpool manager says any players who would require to travel to one of the UK’s so-called ‘red list’ countries, requiring a 10-day hotel quarantine on their return, will likely not be allowed to go on international duty this month. FIFA temporarily changed its rules last year allowing clubs to step in if they felt it would be detrimental to let players join up with their national teams.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says he will not allow players to go on international duty this month if they would require a 10-day hotel quarantine on their return.

Currently, that is the case for anyone who travels to one of the UK’s so-called ‘red list’ countries, where there are more concerns about the infection rate of coronavirus.

Brazilians Alisson Becker, Roberto Firminho and Fabinho are affected, as is Portugal forward Diogo Jota.

Premier League

‘Feel really, really rubbish’ – Klopp rues wasteful Liverpool in Palace defeat

14/04/2024 at 16:49

In normal circumstances, clubs are not permitted to block their players from linking up with their countries, but FIFA temporarily changed its rules last year to allow them to block travel if it adversely affects the players’ principle employer.

• Alisson's father, 57, drowns after swimming in lake
• Klopp v Tuchel - A rivalry with an edge?

“I think all the clubs agree that with the same problems we cannot just let the boys go and then sort the situation when they come back by placing our players in a 10-day quarantine in a hotel, it is just not possible”, said Klopp.

"I understand the needs of the different FAs but this is a time where we cannot make everyone happy and we have to admit the players are paid by the clubs so it means we have to be first priority."

'I was never in doubt' - Klopp after Liverpool win

It would prevent Alisson from returning to his homeland, possibly to see his family, after his father died following a swimming accident.

The goalkeeper missed Sunday’s Premier League win over Sheffield United to grieve, but Klopp expects him to be back for Thursday’s game with Chelsea.

"Ali trained the full week and we should expect that he is able to return”, he said.

Europa League

‘That was a bad performance’ - Klopp, Van Dijk react to Atalanta humbling

12/04/2024 at 07:58

Europa League

Exclusive: Elliott calls on Liverpool team-mates to 'do everything' for departing Klopp

11/04/2024 at 09:43

Europa League

Exclusive: Klopp says Europa League 'not a distraction' - 'I want to win it desperately'

10/04/2024 at 19:12