FIFA have forbidden Liverpool from calling upon Fabinho or Alisson for their clash with Leeds United.
Sunday’s trip to Elland Road comes on the back of an international break where Anfield chiefs blocked the duo’s call-ups by Brazil on health grounds.
Only two Premier League sides – Tottenham and Aston Villa – released their representatives to play in Argentina’s World Cup qualifier with the Selecao.
World football’s governing body vowed to take punitive action against clubs who refused to allow their players to travel to Covid-19 ‘red list’ countries.
According to The Times, up to five top-flight outfits are now set to be prevented from utilising their South American representatives for this weekend’s matches.
Manchester City, Chelsea, Leeds and Manchester United will see their players joining the Reds’ pair on the sidelines if FIFA’s imposed sanctions are upheld.
Should the five-day ineligibility ruling be maintained, Fabinho and Alisson also risk missing Liverpool’s Champions League group opener against AC Milan.
Roberto Firmino would also be expected to sit out the games despite picking up a hamstring injury in Liverpool’s draw with Chelsea at the end of August.
Only Richarlison is set to feature due to Everton’s good relationship with the Brazilian football association after agreeing to release him for the Olympics.
More to follow