Every Premier League player banned from international duty after clubs' refusals

Premier League clubs have banned 60 players from travelling to World Cup qualifiers in red zone countries.

Internationals from 19 clubs - including Liverpool's Brazilian stars Roberto Firmino, Fabinho and Allison - have had the door slammed shut on starring for their national teams in September.

In a major club versus country COVID row, Premier League clubs say they "reluctantly but unanimously" acted because players would be required to quarantine in hotels for ten days on their return... missing two league games and losing fitness.

The likes of Leeds winger Raphinha, Manchester United midfielder Fred, Chelsea defender Thiago Silva, Man City pair Ederson and Gabriel Jesus and Everton striker Richarlison will all be banned from travelling after this weekend's domestic fixtures.

Liverpool had already refused to release Mo Salah for travel to Egypt, and "almost 60" top flight players were heading for a total of 26 red zone countries.

Alisson and Mohamed Salah will be staying at home ( Image:

PA)

Fifa has scrapped a temporary law brought in during the pandemic that allowed clubs to refuse to release stars for international games if they have to quarantine on their return for more than five days.

Talks with the Government and the FA to find a solution were unsuccessful - leading to the Premier League acting and potentially facing a row with FIFA.

Premier League chief exec Richard Masters said: "Premier League clubs have always supported their players' desires to represent their countries - this is a matter of pride for all concerned.

"However, clubs have reluctantly but rightly come to the conclusion that it would be entirely unreasonable to release players under these new circumstances.

Edinson Cavani and Fred will not be allowed to represent Uruguay and Brazil respectively

"Quarantine requirements mean that players' welfare and fitness will be significantly impacted. We understand the challenges that exist in the international match calendar and remain open to workable solutions."

A Premier League statement explained that if the 10 day quarantine rule was enforced "not only would players' welfare and fitness be significantly impacted, but they would also be unavailable to prepare for, and play in, two Premier League match rounds, a UEFA club competition matchday and the third round of the EFL Cup.

"This period takes into consideration 10 days of hotel quarantine on return to England but does not include any additional time that would be required for players to regain match fitness."

Elite sports have not been given exemptions from the rules lately. Those returning from South Africa for the recent Lions tour were forced to quarantine.

Clubs are also fuming about FIFA's decision to extend CONMEBOL's international window by two days in September and October from nine to 11 days.

Newcastle's Paraguay bound Miguel Almiron is one of those to be told to stay in England after being due to play in red zone Ecuador, and two games back in red zone Paraguay.

Bruce said: "You cannot let him (Almiron) go and expect him to stay in a hotel for ten days because he will then miss three games for us on his return.

"Let's hope like all of these things that common sense prevails."

Brazil have already announced their squad for September games and it included nine Premier League players. Squads for Uruguay, Colombia and Argentina have yet to be named.

Every Premier League player banned from international duty

Arsenal: Gabriel, Gabriel Martinelli, Mohamed Elneny

Aston Villa: Emiliano Martinez, Emiliano Buendia, Wesley, Douglas Luiz, Marvelous Nkamba, Trezeguet

Brentford: Joel Valencia, Halil Dervisoglu

Brighton: Enock Mwepu, Alexis Mac Allister, Moises Caicedo, Steven Alzate, Percy Tau

Chelsea: Thiago Silva

Everton: Richarlison, James Rodriguez, Yerry Mina, Cenk Tosun

Liverpool: Mohamed Salah, Alisson, Fabinho, Roberto Firmino

Leeds: Raphinha, Junior Firpo, Helder Costa

Leicester: Patson Saka, Caglar Soyuncu

Man City: Gabriel Jesus, Ederson, Fernandinho

Man Utd: Fred, Alex Telles, Edinson Cavani, Hannibal Mejbri

Newcastle: Miguel Almiron, Joelinton, Federico Fernandez

Norwich: Onel Hernandez

Tottenham: Giovani Lo Celso, Cristian Romero, Lucas Moura, Davison Sanchez

Watford: Juan Hernandez, Ozan Tufan

West Ham: Manuel Lanzini

Wolves: Raul Jimenez, Yerson Mosquera