Liverpool could be in line for a large windfall of cash from FIFA's own compensation plan, if the Reds have the worst-case scenario with injury problems
Andoni Iraola, Manager of Liverpool, reacts during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Liverpool FC and Fulham
Liverpool could be owed money from player injuries over the international break(Image: (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images))
The international break hasn't been awfully kind to Liverpool in terms of injury concerns, with two fresh problems springing up as part of the extended three-week spell.
The Reds first saw Alexander Isak withdraw from the Sweden squad after it was revealed that he had a thigh issue that meant he wouldn't be fit and available for the national team for the remaining three games of the break.
Concerns reared their heads again when Cody Gakpo landed awkwardly on his ankle for the Netherlands in the clash with Serbia, which led to him being unable to continue in the match.
Scans have since been taken to understand the severity of the issue for the winger, who had enjoyed an impressive start to the season up until that point.
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It leaves Liverpool sweating over the fitness of both players, with some important matches on the horizon in the Premier League, Champions League, and EFL Cup.
While Iraola will be hopeful that the two stars will be available for the coming weeks ahead, there is some relief on the financial side of things if the Reds are unable to get the forwards onto the pitch.
That's because of FIFA's Club Protection Programme, which is a scheme setup to help incentivize clubs to release its players for international duty by covering the costs and potential damages suffered while on duty for their nation.
The rules state that FIFA will cover the salary of a player if they sustained an injury during an "accident" on international duty, with a maximum of €7.5 million [$8.4 million] being paid out until they are ready to return to action.
Cody Gakpo of Netherlands talks to referee Szymon Marciniak during the UEFA Nations League match between Serbia and Netherlands
Cody Gakpo is an injury doubt for Liverpool against Manchester City(Image: (Photo by Dijks Media/MB Media/Getty Images))
That is only possible if a player is sidelined for at least 28 consecutive days of action, setting a clear date for when clubs would be able to file for compensation to have the salary covered.
For Liverpool, that means tracking the fitness of both Isak and Gakpo over the next month to see their availability. The former has a thigh issue that was described as "minor", which suggests he may be available again within those 28 days.
As for Gakpo, the extent of his ankle issue is currently unclear, with a recovery period that could be at least three weeks from when he first suffered the issue, while he may be unavailable for longer than that if it is a more severe issue. Should it prove to be a long-term issue, then the fees from FIFA could be in the millions, but it remains to be seen.
Liverpool will certainly be hoping that the pair are not long-term concerns, as Iraola needs his team fit and firing for the upcoming run of fixtures.
Manchester City will kickstart the next gauntlet of matches, while clashes with Arsenal and Chelsea along the way will need the Reds at full strength to continue pushing on.