The international break is officially over as players begin to make their way back to their various club sides.
It’s FA Cup action this weekend, so Liverpool is among the 13 Premier League clubs who won’t be back in action until next week when the Reds host Everton. After a busy window of international fixtures and traveling, Arne Slot’s squad will be relieved of the extra rest.
We’ve rounded up how all the players fared during the latest international break.
Alisson – Played in Brazil’s 2-1 win over Columbia but suffered a head injury and had to be replaced late on. He missed the subsequent defeat to Argentina as a result and traveled back to England early, although he indicated via social media that he is recovering well. Alisson remains a doubt for the derby next week.
Caoimhin Kelleher – As speculation continues to swirl around his future, the keeper put in two impressive displays for the Republic of Ireland against Bulgaria which maintained the country’s status as a League B side.
Virgil van Dijk – Admitted that defeat against Spain in the Nations League quarter-final “hurt,” with the defender playing every minute of the Netherlands’ double header. He even scored a penalty in the shootout.
Ibrahima Konate – Endured a tough game in France’s defeat to Croatia in the Nations League quarter-final, giving away a penalty and partly being at fault for an opposition goal. Konate was replaced at half-time in Split and didn’t feature in the second meeting as France overturned the two-goal haul and booked its place in the summer tournament.
(Image: Getty Images)
Kostas Tsimikas – Had a minor on-field argument with Andy Robertson during the first-leg loss to Scotland but didn’t play in the second match at Hampden Park. Greece won 3-0 as it gained promotion to League A, while Scotland was relegated.
Andy Robertson – His second display against the Greeks was described as “awful” by the national media, as the left-back struggled to deal with 17-year-old Konstantinos Karetsas. Not the break the Scotland captain had hoped for.
Jarell Quansah – Left out of the squad for Thomas Tuchel’s first match in charge and then an unused substitute in the win over Latvia. Hardly the start he wanted under the new coach.
Wataru Endo – Became the first international captain to guide his country to World Cup qualification thanks to the win over Bahrain. He then played in the 0-0 draw to Saudi Arabia, featuring for around 165 minutes for Japan over the two games.
Dominik Szoboszlai – Endured a torrid break as Bulgaria was beaten 6-1 over two legs by Turkey and was relegated from the top tier of the Nations League. Liverpool’s No. 8 was responsible for one of the six goals, was forced to defend his team after the game, and became embroiled in a spat with Arda Guler. He’ll be pleased to get back to Liverpool.
(Image: Matías Baglietto/NurPhoto)
Alexis Mac Allister – Started both games as Argentina moved nine points clear at the top of the South American qualifiers. He scored in the fiery win over Brazil and then admitted Raphinha’s controversial pre-match comments had fired the team up beforehand.
Curtis Jones – Started in a deeper midfield role as England beat Albania and looked impressive alongside Declan Rice. The Liverpool midfielder then came off the bench for the second game as the Three Lions beat Latvia in World Cup qualifiers.
Harvey Elliott – Scored one of the 14 goals across the two England Under-21s games against France and Portugal. Elliott started both matches and will hope for more minutes when he returns to his club.
Ryan Gravenberch – Initially met up with the Dutch squad and trained but didn’t play any part in the matches. He was sent home early due to injury, although the problem is not expected to be serious.
Stefan Bajcetic – Played in both of Spain Under-21s’ friendly matches against Czech Republic and Germany.
James McConnell – Called up to the England Elite League Squad (essentially the Under-20s) and played both games against Portugal and Switzerland.
Trey Nyoni – Like McConnell, featured in each of the England underage friendlies.
Luis Diaz – Scored in both games against Brazil and then Paraguay, although Colombia picked up just one point across the doubleheader and is sitting sixth in South American qualification for the World Cup.
Darwin Nunez – Another in South American action, the striker’s club form carried over to the international stage. Nunez struggled in matches against Argentina and Bolivia. He was replaced late on in the former and then struggled when coming off the bench in Bolivia.
(Image: Getty Images)
Mohamed Salah – Played 180 minutes across two wins over Ethiopia and Sierra Leone. After the latter, the opposition players lined up to take selfies with Africa’s biggest star. Egypt is in a strong position to qualify for the World Cup with five wins from six group games.
Federico Chiesa – Having missed out on the Italy squad, the winger returned to his homeland and posted images of him training in his Liverpool gear. He’ll hope that a positive outlook can earn him a first league start in the coming weeks, especially with renewed speculation about his future.
Cody Gakpo – Played 90 minutes in the first leg against Spain and then 77 in the reverse fixture as his recovery from injury continues. When club soccer resumes, Slot could have a fully fit Gakpo for the first time since mid-February.
Diogo Jota – Was involved in a little over half an hour for Portugal over the Nations League double-header against Denmark, which Roberto Martinez’s side won 5-3 on aggregate. Jota set up Goncalo Ramos’ late goal in Lisbon as Portugal secured passage to the finals in Germany this summer.
Rio Ngumoha – Scored two and provided an assist in England Under-17s’ win over Northern Ireland and also started as the Three Lions beat Slovenia 3-2.
