Liverpool’s men’s squad have departed for international duty as the extended FIFA window gets underway, with the Reds not back in Premier League action until October 10.
The 16-day break, running from September 21 to October 6, replaces the separate September and October windows used in previous seasons and leaves domestic football on hold for Andoni Iraola’s squad.
There will be no such rest for Liverpool FC Women.
Gareth Taylor’s side continue their season this week, with two matches to negotiate before their own international break arrives in October.
The Reds host Sunderland in the Subway Players Cup at St Helens Stadium on Wednesday, before a Barclays Women’s Super League meeting with Everton at Anfield on Sunday.
It comes after a mixed start to the WSL campaign.
Liverpool opened with a 4-0 win away at newly promoted Charlton Athletic on their first fixture of the season, before a 1-1 draw at home to Tottenham Hotspur on September 13 and a 2-4 defeat away at Manchester City on last weekend.
With fixtures continuing, Taylor has given an update on his squad’s fitness ahead of the Sunderland and Everton games.
Speaking to Liverpoolfc.com, he said: “Khiara Keating picked up a little niggle on Friday night and it could be a few days before she is back in training with us. But hopefully that is nothing too serious.”
Ceri Holland will not feature until after the women’s international break, which runs from October 5 to 13.
“Unfortunately, Ceri Holland will not feature until after the international break,” Taylor said. “Hopefully we can get her back after that but it’s going to be a few weeks.”
There was better news on Zara Shaw, who returned to training following England’s U20 World Cup campaign.
“Zara Shaw is back in with us after being away with England and that is a positive to have her available after a top experience at the U20 World Cup,” Taylor said.
Mari Ward will miss Wednesday’s game against Sunderland, though her absence is not expected to be lengthy.
“Mari Ward won’t be available for Wednesday night but hopefully that is not going to be too much longer,” Taylor said. “And hopefully Kirsty Maclean will be similar, although she is a little bit closer than Mari.”
Lucy Parry remains the furthest from a return. “Lucy Parry is going to be out a little while longer unfortunately,” Taylor added.
Liverpool’s Subway Players Cup tie against Sunderland kicks off at St Helens Stadium on Wednesday at 7pm, with the Reds returning to league action on Sunday at 2pm against Everton at Anfield.
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