Coronavirus: What Brazilian Premier League players are banned this weekend?
A number of the Premier League's top players will not be allowed to compete for their clubs this weekend as the Brazilian football authorities have triggered a FIFA ruling which stops them from doing so.
Under FIFA regulations, players not given permission to join up with their international sides can then be banned from playing for their clubs for five days.
This means that the Brazil internationals from Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United and Leeds that were not released for international duty will now face said bans.
However, Brazil have not imposed a ban on Everton's Richarlison given the positive relationship between the two parties. The forward played for Brazil in the Olympic Games this summer.
These clubs made the decision to hold onto their players as the UK government insists that, amidst the Coronavirus pandemic, people returning from red-list countries require a 10-day isolation period on arrival. Brazil is, indeed, a red-list country at this moment.
Now, the UK government are working with FIFA to prevent a similar situation from taking place after the international breaks in October and November.
The bans will start on 10 September and end on 14 September. So, which players have been affected?
What Brazilian Liverpool players have been banned?
Alisson, Fabinho and Roberto Firmino
The team hit hardest by the bans, Liverpool will be without three players against Leeds. Alisson is, of course, an important member of the side, while Fabinho could be the most underrated player in Jurgen Klopp's formidable team. Roberto Firmino would likely have been on the substitutes' bench anyway, with Diogo Jota playing up front.
What Brazilian Man City players have been banned?
Ederson and Gabriel Jesus
Ederson's absence could mean a shock appearance for 36-year-old goalkeeper Scott Carson. Gabriel Jesus will be devastated to miss out on the next match against Leicester after his fine form in the first three Premier League matches. He will find it difficult to make his way back into the team after the returns of Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden.
#ManCity goalkeeper update vs Leicester City:
⛔️ Ederson ineligible
🦠 Zack Steffen in quarantine
✅ Scott Carson eligible to play
It’s happening. pic.twitter.com/jJMNJ4uGRC— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) September 8, 2021
What Brazilian Chelsea players have been banned?
As well as this weekend's league match against Aston Villa, Thiago Silva will also miss Chelsea's Champions League tie versus Zenit next week. This could provide an opportunity for youngster Trevoh Chalobah to make another appearance in a Blues shirt.
What Brazilian Man Utd players have been banned?
Like Silva, Fred will miss both a domestic and European match for Manchester United. Scott McTominay and Nemanja Matic are favourites to occupy the holding midfield role in the Brazilian's absence.
What Brazilian Leeds players have been banned?
Raphinha will be a massive loss for Leeds as they host Liverpool on Sunday. Although, the Reds will have their fair share of missing players too.