Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the key issues for Liverpool players on international duty this week:
Can Lovren make the World Cup?
Dejan Lovren started for Croatia in the first leg of their World Cup qualifying playoff against Greece.
The game got off to a hot start, with four goals in the first 35 minutes of play. The game ended 4-1, putting Croatia in a very favorable situation headed into the second leg of the playoffs.
Lovren played the entire 90 minutes, but was arguably at fault for Greece’s only goal. Sokratis Papastathopoulos took advantage of Lovren’s lead-footedness on a corner, rising above the Reds defender to head the ball into the back of the net.
Wijnaldum vs. Robertson
Two Reds clashed when Netherlands faced Scotland in Aberdeen. Gini Wijnaldum lined up on the right hand side of a midfield three for the Flying Dutchmen, while Robertson started at left back for interim coach Malky Mackay. It was slightly surprising to see Robertson start given his lack of minutes for Liverpool, even more so considering that he displaced Celtic’s wonderkid Kieran Tierney from left back to centerback.
Both played the full ninety minutes, with Wijnaldum getting the bragging rights over Robertson on the day. The game’s only goal came through former Manchester United forward and one-time Liverpool target Memphis Depay.
Liverpool player updates
After sending Egypt to the 2018 World Cup with a penalty in added time, Mo Salah wasn’t included in the Egypt squad by manager Héctor Cúper. With a tough run of fixtures after the international break—including games against Sevilla, Southampton, and Chelsea—Klopp has to be delighted with the opportunity to give his £35m man some rest.
The Pharaohs were set to take on the United Arab Emirates in a friendly on early Thursday morning, but the game was canceled.
Estonia captain Ragnar Klavan was also not included in the Estonia squad for their international friendlies. Having performed admirably since coming in for Dejan Lovren, Estonia could’ve certainly used Klavan as they were pummeled 3-0 by Finland.
Liverpool targets on international duty
Long-time Liverpool target Virgil van Dijk started for the Netherlands against Scotland. He was joined by a former Red in Ryan Babel who, at 30 years old, is enjoying somewhat of a career renaissance at Beşiktaş. Van Dijk did his job, keeping a clean sheet for the Clockwork Orange.
Next: Watch the Klavan video that is sending Liveprool fans nuts
Also for the Netherlands, Perr Schuurs captained the Dutch U19s to a win over Italy U19. The 17-year-old has been linked with a move to Anfield as of late.