Your morning digest for Thursday, September 9.
Liverpool stance explained as FIFA bans three players ahead of Leeds fixture
Alisson, Fabinho, and Roberto Firmino have been hit with a five-day ban for failing to join up with Brazil during the international break, meaning they could miss Sunday’s clash with Leeds.
Despite remaining in England, the Brazilian FA has called on FIFA to utilise its five-day rule for failing to report for duty, after Liverpool refused to let the trio travel to red list countries on the UK’s travel list.
The Reds maintain that both Alisson and Fabinho should be able to play against Leeds this weekend, with Firmino ruled out through injury, and the club are set to consider their course of action.
READ MORE: 'Not bothered' - Liverpool transfer fears dismissed as Harvey Elliott shows Jadon Sancho example
Had the trio travelled to South America, they would have missed Liverpool’s next four games, while completing a 10-day quarantine.
If Jurgen Klopp selects his banned players, the team could theoretically be handed a 3-0 defeat, although with Leeds’ Raphinha also censured, it remains to be seen how this would be implemented.
Read the full story here .
AC Milan 'target' Thiago Alcantara in shock Liverpool transfer swap
Thiago Alcantara has been linked with a sensational swap deal to AC Milan, according to reports in Italy.
Liverpool have been tipped to make a move for Milan’s midfield star Franck Kessie, with Il Milanista suggesting that 30-year-old Thiago could move in the opposite direction.
Kessie has entered the final year of his deal at the San Siro and has reportedly turned down fresh terms, supposedly alerting interest from the Reds, alongside Tottenham and PSG.
The ECHO understands that the midfielder is still very much part of Jurgen Klopp’s plans.
However, as the two sides prepare to meet in their Champions League at Anfield next week, it has been suggested that both technical director Paolo Maldini and director of football Frederic Massara will sound out the possibility of taking Thiago away from Anfield.
Read the full story here .
