During the break, eight different players were required to log 180 minutes of action for their respective nations, but 11 Reds missed the action in October.
It is unbelievable to imagine that we will have to go through this a third time in a month, especially after Andy Robertson suffered a catastrophic injury during the October international break.
Six different Reds scored or assisted on goals, making up the total of 16 first-team members from Liverpool who were called up to represent their nation. Eight of these players played every minute.
Luke Chambers, Ben Doak, and Robertson’s injuries have left Jurgen Klopp to lament them. He will have little time with his entire team before facing Everton on Saturday at 12.30 p.m.
However, 11 senior players in total did not participate in international competition this month owing to injury or failure to make the team.
While Caoimhin Kelleher, Conor Bradley, Thiago, Stefan Bajcetic, and Cody Gakpo were unable to play because of injuries, Adrian, Marcelo Pitaluga, Joe Gomez, Joel Matip, Curtis Jones, and Ryan Gravenberch were also left out.
The Reds’ final two games before the break were missed by Kelleher, who needed 12 stitches after cutting his knee in practise. However, Gravenberch’s absence remains puzzling.
The midfielder turned down the call-up last month in favour of settling in his new home, and the Netherlands, both the senior team and the under-21 squad, have harboured resentment towards him ever since.
Loss for them, victory for Liverpool!
The midfielder received time off, much like other players who did not play for their nations, but he will be one of the select few to take advantage of uninterrupted practise building up to the Merseyside derby.
Joe Gomez and Joel Matip are in a comparable situation and will be strongly considered for the starting spot at Anfield on Saturday, which may also apply to Gakpo if his recovery goes according to plan.
Following his knee injury at Tottenham, the Dutch attacker was believed to have “a good chance” of returning after the break. It is hoped that he will be eligible for selection against Everton.
Regarding Thiago and Bajcetic, the two experienced hurdles after making a full recovery from chronic injuries. Hopefully, they made progress over the break.
Klopp will need to make selections for the visit of Everton in the early kick-off based on who arrived late from international duty and the minutes played, not to mention he still can’t turn to the suspended Jones.
Left out: Adrian, Pitaluga, Gomez, Matip, Jones, Gravenberch
Injured: Kelleher, Bradley, Thiago, Bajcetic, Gakpo