Key Liverpool trio leave international duty early ahead of Chelsea Premier League clash

Three Liverpool players have departed international duty for varying reasons in the build-up to their Premier League home clash against Chelsea this weekend.

The Blues are unbeaten in their last six matches since losing to champions Manchester City on the opening day, and could be about to face Liverpool at the perfect time with top scorer Mohamed Salah, captain Virgil Van Dijk and England international Curtis Jones all returning early from international duty.

Salah, who has scored seven goals in 22 career appearances against former club Chelsea, netted for Egypt in a 2-0 victory over Mauritania on Friday night and had been due to take part in a second fixture with the same opponents in Africa Nations qualifying on Tuesday before being released early.

Meanwhile, midfielder Curtis Jones, who was a late addition to Lee Carsley’s squad for the defeat to Greece, was sent home from England camp before his side’s trip to Finland due to a personal matter. It is not yet clear if he will be available for the Reds this weekend at Anfield.

Van Dijk, however, should be fit to play against Chelsea at the weekend. The 77-time international was sent off for two yellow cards during Netherlands’ 1-1 draw with Hungary, thus ruling him out of Monday’s trip to Germany, with his nation opting to send him back to Liverpool rather than keeping him with the national side

Chelsea enter the game high on confidence, with Nicholas Jackson and Christian Nkunku both scoring for their respective nations on international duty. 

Enzo Maresca’s side are hoping to welcome club captain Reece James back to training this week as he works to recover from a hamstring injury. James hinted at a return in the near future by posting on Instagram: “Long story short I’m doing well. Hope to see you soon.”

Noni Madueke and Levi Colwill both emerged unscathed from international duty despite picking up knocks against Nottingham Forest. Both should be fit to face Liverpool but Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella will be out of the matchday squad due to suspension after accumulating five yellow cards in the league.

Carney Chukwumeka is believed to be back in training after illness but Omari Kellyman is still recovering from a hamstring injury at this stage. Liverpool pair Federico Chiesa and Harvey Elliott are both doubts with injury while another major star in Allison Becker is unlikely to start in between the posts due to a hamstring injury.

Republic of Ireland international Caoimhin Kelleher, who started in a 3-0 victory over Bournemouth earlier in the season is expected to start the match for the Reds in the Brazilian international’s absence.