As many as eight Brazilians could be missing for their Premier League clubs this weekend
The Brazilian Football Association (CBF) have urged FIFA to enforce a five-day selection ban on the Premier League clubs that chose not to release Brazilian players for the current international break. As an after-effect, Caoimhín Kelleher could be in line to face Leeds.
If enforced, as many as eight Brazilian players would be unavailable for selection for their clubs during this weekend’s Premier League fixtures, with two of them also at risk on missing out on the opening round of Champions League matches.
The Athletic and BBC report that Manchester City would be without Gabriel Jesus and Ederson for Saturday’s game against Leicester City, with Liverpool missing Alisson Becker, Fabinho and Roberto Firmino for their game against Leeds, who would be without Raphinha.
Manchester United’s Fred and Chelsea’s Thiago Silva would also be unavailable for fixtures with Newcastle and Aston Villa respectively, as well as their clubs’ Champions League games in midweek.
Everton’s Richarlison would be available, however, having represented his country during the Olympics in the summer.
The absence of Alisson from the Liverpool squad could, then, see Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher start for the club against Leeds United at the weekend.
Understand Brazil have asked FIFA to invoke five-day rule, so eight PL players can't play this weekend – affects Liverpool, Man City, Leeds, Man Utd, Chelsea. Thiago Silva and Fred can't play on Tuesday either. Richarlison can play for Everton v Burnley on Monday.
— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) September 8, 2021
The same Athletic report claims contact with the clubs and the FA has already been made by FIFA, with the Premier League discussing a possible response.
Brazil’s health authorities stopped last week’s game with Argentina to detain four of the Albiceleste players. Emiliano Martinez, Giovani Lo Celso and Christian Romero, as well as Emi Buendia were all claimed to be in breach of Brazil’s Covid-19 protocols having allegedly lied on their documentation. Those players are all due to miss this weekend’s games.
Similar complaints have been made by the football federations of Chile, Mexico and Paraguay which could also have an impact on Wolves, Newcastle and Watford, as well as Championship side Blackburn.
And as if this wasn’t already enough, we can expect this all again for the next international break in less than a month.
