Managers left in dark over FIFA player bans

PREMIER LEAGUE managers were still confused yesterday about whether they can call on their red-list stars this weekend. Manchester City’s Brazil duo Ederson and Gabriel Jesus travelled to Leicester with Pep Guardiola’s squad, but Brazil have asked FIFA to invoke their five-day rule stopping players from representing their clubs if they do not report for international duty. As well as Ederson and Jesus, the ban applies to Liverpool trio Alisson, Fabinho and Roberto Firmino, Leeds’ Raphinha, Chelsea’s Thiago Silva and Manchester United’s Fred. The Premier League were hopeful the issue would be resolved but as of yesterday evening there was still no word from FIFA. ‘They are going to travel, ready to play,’ Guardiola said. ‘Maybe tonight or tomorrow we have a letter from FIFA or the Premier League. The problem is, I don’t understand the situation. It is crazy. Right now I’m thinking they’ll play because I don’t have any other instructions.’ Firmino is ruled out by injury, but Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp admitted: ‘I have no idea when I can expect a solution. I don’t know when I can make a decision. It would be nice if I could train with the team I want to play (against Leeds) on Sunday.’ Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel said: ‘Right now, Thiago is not out. Not officially. The chairman (Bruce Buck) is still in negotiations. I’m waiting for the final decision.’ Wolves’ Raul Jimenez is in line to start for Wolves at Watford today after FIFA held talks with Mexico to clear the striker to play. Jimenez was one of three other Premier League stars kept out by the same five-day rule, along with Paraguay forward Miguel Almiron and Watford’s Francisco Sierralta of Chile, after their nations also complained to FIFA. But FIFA persuaded Mexico to withdraw the complaint after discussing the matter with Wolves. ‘It’s the best decision for everyone as the fans want to see the top players on the pitch,’ said Wolves boss Bruno Lage.