Latest Liverpool news and gossip as several members of the Reds squad featured for their respective countries during the September international break
Liverpool are edging closer to a return to Premier League action after the international break. The Reds will face Nottingham Forest at Anfield on Saturday in their first fixture after the two-week hiatus.
Arne Slot’s team heads into the match following a comfortable 3-0 win over Manchester United before the break. Now, Liverpool’s head coach will be hoping that the players who have travelled across the globe on international duty return injury-free and ready to feature for the Reds this weekend.
The international break saw Nations League matches for those who represent European countries. There were also World Cup qualifiers for countries in South America, while there were also qualification fixtures for the Africa Cup of Nations.
The ECHO has taken a look at some of the notable moments from the Liverpool players who were on international duty this month.
Ryan Gravenberch boost
Ever since Slot arrived at Anfield, one player who has shone with the new regime is Ryan Gravenberch. Now the midfielder has carried his new-found confidence into the international arena.
Gravenberch featured for the Netherlands in their Nations League matches against Germany and Bosnia & Herzegovina. The 22-year-old starred in both games, particularly the draw with Germany on Tuesday night.
The performance from the Liverpool midfielder led to praise from several members of the Dutch media, including former Premier League star Rafael van der Vaart. Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo also featured for the Netherlands across the latest international break
Trent Alexander-Arnold stars
Trent Alexander-Arnold was called up to the England squad, but this time it was very different. Lee Carsley is now the interim manager of the Three Lions and chose to name the Liverpool vice-captain as his starting right-back.
Alexander-Arnold played both Nations League friendlies against the Republic of Ireland and Finland and won the Player of the Match award in both fixtures. The right-back provided the assist for one of Harry Kane’s goals in the victory over Finland and will be looking to continue his form for Liverpool when he returns to Merseyside.
Luis Diaz impresses
Luis Diaz was arguably in the best form of his Liverpool career before the international break, with three goals across the first three Premier League fixtures. The winger then linked up with the Colombia national team and has continued that form.
Diaz captained his country in the World Cup qualifier victory over Peru last week, where he was on the score sheet yet again. Liverpool will be hoping that continues when the forward returns to Merseyside this week.
Alexis Mac Allister concern
Alexis Mac Allister emerged as an injury concern after being withdrawn with a fitness issue during Argentina’s World Cup qualifier against Chile last week. Despite being on the score sheet, it was reported that the Liverpool midfielder suffered an adductor injury during the game and was later not involved in training.
Mac Allister was named on the bench for Argentina’s next match against Colombia. He made a 26-minute cameo from the bench, easing concerns that the injury could be serious.
Liverpool will hope that the midfielder has returned to Merseyside free from injury.
