During the international break in October, 16 members of the first team were called up for duty; five of them scored goals, but one Red didn’t play a single minute.
The second of the season’s three international vacations caused an unwelcome delay in Liverpool’s campaign, with 16 senior players departing for destinations around the globe.
The only chance we have at the moment is that every player returns to Merseyside in good shape, but so far, that hasn’t happened.
With what appeared to be a significant shoulder injury, Andy Robertson departed the Scotland camp early. Ben Doak also missed the second of his two under-21 games, and Luke Chambers “turned his ankle.”
The fortnight was not without its pros, however, with five different Reds scoring goals and four recording at least one assist. Luis Diaz had a chance to make it six goals from the penalty spot.
Here is a brief summary of what happened over the October break.
minutes spent
Eight Reds in total played every minute for their respective nations, but Alisson unexpectedly did not for Brazil for a second straight international break:
Alexis Mac Allister – 180
Darwin Nunez – 180
Dominik Szoboszlai – 180
Harvey Elliott – 180
Kostas Tsimikas – 180
Luis Diaz – 180
Mohamed Salah – 180
Virgil van Dijk – 180
Ibrahima Konate – 177
Wataru Endo – 151
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 90
Ben Doak – 62
Andy Robertson – 44
Diogo Jota – 28
Jarell Quansah – 14
Alisson – 0
Goals
After scoring two goals for England’s under-21 team, Elliott undoubtedly relished his respite, and Nunez kept up his early-season form with Uruguay.
Elliott – 2
Nunez – 2
Doak – 1
Szoboszlai – 1
Van Dijk – 1
Assists
Elliott, who was in fine form, received two more assists, and Nunez and Szoboszlai each paired their goals with assists for teammates:
Elliott – 2
Nunez – 1
Szoboszlai – 1
Tsimikas – 1