Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool are sweating on the fitness of two key attackers ahead of their Premier League clash with Manchester City at Anfield on October 11.
The Reds entered the extended three-week international break on a high after Alexander Isak’s second-half strike secured a 1-0 victory over Bournemouth, extending their unbeaten start under Andoni Iraola.
However, Isak could miss the blockbuster showdown against Premier League leaders Manchester City, who have won every game this season.
The striker withdrew from the Sweden squad after scoring in their Nations League win over Romania and is now racing against time to prove his fitness for the October 11 clash.
Meanwhile, Iraola faces an anxious wait over Cody Gakpo after the forward was forced off in the first half of the Netherlands’ 2-1 win over Serbia. Reports claim Gakpo could be sidelined for several weeks.
Under FIFA regulations, as quoted by the BBC Sport, if a player sustains a new injury while on international duty that prevents them from taking part in full training or matches for at least 28 days, their club is entitled to financial compensation through the FIFA Club Protection Programme.
The compensation package, which is based on a player’s salary, covers periods when international “A” matches are played during the international match calendar.
The eligible period begins when a player leaves their club to join their national team and ends at midnight on the day they return or 48 hours after leaving international duty, whichever comes first.
Clubs can receive up to €7.5million (£6.4million) in compensation at a daily pro-rata rate of €20,548, (£17,487) with a maximum compensation period of 365 days.
FIFA pays the compensation directly to clubs, with only a player’s salary covered. Bonuses and one-off payments are excluded.
Clubs are only entitled to compensation if a player sustains a new injury while on international duty that keeps them out for at least 28 consecutive days. A club can receive compensation for the same player and injury for a maximum of 365 days.
The programme stops paying compensation when the player returns to full training or matches, their contract expires, they die or change occupation, or the club reaches the maximum compensation amount.
Pre-existing injuries that recur during international duty are not covered. However, if a player suffers a new injury that recurs within 30 days, the club remains eligible for compensation.
FIFA’s Club Protection Programme does not cover illness, permanent disability or death. It also excludes self-inflicted injuries and attempted suicide.
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