Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool will not release players for international duty if they have to quarantine upon their return.
Several members of his squad could be called up for matches this month in so-called 'red' countries. That means if they were to be released, the players would have to isolate for ten days upon their return.
Earlier this month, FIFA extended its present flexibility regarding the release of players for international duty until the end of April.
Brazil have a home qualifier with Argentina before a trip to Colombia. Both Brazil and Colombia are on that 'red' list, meaning Alisson, Fabinho and Roberto Firmino could all be forced to isolate if they travel.
Portugal is also on that list, meaning the fit-again Diogo Jota could be ruled out for ten-days after his country play host to Azerbaijan in the Republic of Ireland's qualifying Group A.
Senegal forward Sadio Mané and Guinea midfielder Naby Keita are also likely to play Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in 'red' countries.
Jurgen Klopp is not alone in raising the issue of players potentially being unavailable if called away, but drew a line in the sand on Wednesday.
"I think FIFA was kind of clear that we don’t have to let the players go this time," he told a press conference, "And I think all the clubs agree that with the same problems we cannot just let the boys go and then sort the situation when they come back by placing our players in a 10-day quarantine in a hotel.
"It is just not possible.
“I understand the need of the different FAs but this is a time where we cannot make everyone happy and we have to admit the players are paid by the clubs, so that means we have to be first priority.
"That is with all understanding for the different needs and competitions coming in the summer, but you cannot make everyone happy at the same time in this period in our lives.
“We are not 100% sure of the situation as it is not clear in some countries, who may decide to change the venues they play and go to non-red zone countries.
"The whole situation is similar to the Champions League in terms of where we play and you have to wait until the last second pretty much because people need time to make decisions.”
Fabinho and Alisson to return for Liverpool with Jota not far behind
