Clubs’ red alert over stars going on national duty
PREMIER LEAGUE clubs are growing increasingly concerned about releasing players for next month’s internationals because of the coronavirus pandemic.
England manager Gareth Southgate has a Wembley triple header, with a friendly against Wales and Nations ons League matches s against Denmark and Belgium.
But perhaps of greater concern is the South American World Cup qualifiers, with Brazil facing fixtures against Bolivia and also away in Peru, a country which has been particularly hard-hit.
Premier League stars Richarlison and Roberto Firmino (both above) Fabinho, Alisson, Thiago Silva, Douglas Luiz and Gabriel Jesus were all named in the Brazil squad, and clubs will be anxious that they use private jets rather than commercial flights.
Peru only received confirmation on Wednesday from CONMEBOL that they could move the fixture from 9.15pm to 7.15pm because there is a nationwide 11pm curfew in the country.
No fans will be allowed, but they insist the match will go ahead.
South American qualifiers were due to start in March.
Even last month FIFA put fixtures on hold and are due to publish strict protocols, which are expected to make them exempt from quarantine, although any final decision may rest with the relevant health departments. Denmark’s England-based Premier League stars, such as Kasper Schmeichel and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, took commercial flights home from international duty last month, but clubs will be anxious that “safety bubbles” are maintained, particularly after a sharp rise in ca cases.
Southgate names his squad on Thursday w when it is hig highly likely Phil Foden and Mason Greenwood will be omitted after they were sent home from Iceland in disgrace.
Premier clubs are even concerned about the England get-togethers for fear of a greater risk.
But the FA will be quick to allay fears as they will start the camp at St George’s Park, then use a hotel nearer Wembley and keep to the strict protocols.
YOUNG English players are blossoming abroad following Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham’s success at Borussia Dortmund.
At Lyon, former Tottenham striker Reo Griffiths, 20, has been made captain of the B team and the Ligue 1 club have rebuffed approaches from England to take him on loan. They have told him they want him to push for the first team.
Griffiths has scored five goals in six games this season and the club – which has an excellent record of youth development – have been impressed with his work
CHELSEA’S £22million signing of goalkeeper Edouard Mendy from Rennes carries an interesting dynamic and back story.
The Blues’ £71m Kepa Arrizabalaga has been a huge issue for 18 months as his form has declined de and frustrated Frank Lampard. Voices within Stamford Bridge pushed to sign Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak (left) for around £100m as a replacement. Many judges consider Slovenian Oblak to bbe the world’s No.1 keeper now.
But it is understood that Petr Cech pushed for Mendy – and championed his signing. The former Chelsea star, now the Blues’ technical and performance advisor, effectively gave his stamp of approval and staked his reputation on Mendy.