LONDON/ZURICH: English Premier League clubs hope to have all their world-weary players available this weekend despite four nations trying to trigger a FIFA rule to prevent them from turning out.

Players who did not travel after being called up by Brazil, Mexico, Paraguay and Chile have been banned for five days under FIFA regulations but officials are in talks to resolve the issue prompted by various national Covid controls.

Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Leeds, Chelsea, Wolves, Newcastle and Watford are affected.

Eight players from five clubs have been affected by Brazil’s decision alone, which follows a similar move by Mexico, Paraguay and Chile last week.

Players travelling to red list countries would have had to miss several games on their return because of the 10-day isolation period required under UK rules.

In addition to missing their sides’ weekend games, Chelsea defender Thiago Silva and Manchester United midfielder Fred will also not be allowed to play in their teams’ opening Champions League games against Zenit St Petersburg and Young Boys on Tuesday.

However, it is understood Brazil have not asked for Everton forward Richarlison to be prevented from featuring against Burnley on Monday. It is felt Brazil showed leniency in that specific case as Everton allowed Richarlison to play at the Olympic Games when the regulations did not force them to.

The move also affects three Liverpool players, Roberto Firmino, Fabinho and Alisson; Manchester City pair Ederson and Gabriel Jesus; and Leeds forward Raphinha, who had been called into the Brazil squad for the first time.

Wolves and Mexico forward Raul Jimenez; Newcastle’s Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almiron and Watford’s Chile defender Francisco Sierralta are also affected.

The clubs believe they are victims of extraordinary circumstance.

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