International break: a look at the 14 Liverpool stars in action this week…
An international break is always a frustrating time of year for football fans, who are anxious to see their club side get back into the thick of action.
While an out of form Liverpool may well welcome the chance to recharge the batteries, Reds fans will no doubt be yearning to see the team walking out onto the pitch again, ready to turn their fortunes around.
Of course, while supporters will be lamenting the loss of club football for a fortnight, many of the players will be taking on crucial roles for their countries.
Here is a look at the 14 Anfield stars who will be in action:
ENGLAND – Jordan Henderson, Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert, Raheem Sterling
The Liverpool quartet will represent England for two matches. The Three Lions host Slovenia in a Euro 2016 qualifier on Saturday November 15 before travelling north to meet Scotland in a friendly three days later.
WALES – Joe Allen, Danny Ward
The duo have been picked among the Wales party that will travel to Belgium for an important qualifying encounter in Group B on Sunday November 16.
BELGIUM – Simon Mignolet
The keeper will be in the opposition camp on the evening, with his nation also participating in a warm-up against Iceland at the same venue four days beforehand.
SERBIA – Lazar Markovic
On Friday November 14, the young winger will be part of the team that welcomes Denmark to Belgrade with the target a place in the continental tournament in two years’ time. They also journey to Greece on Tuesday November 18.
ITALY – Mario Balotelli
The summer signing has been brought back into Antonio Conte’s Italy selection for a Euro 2016 preliminary with Croatia at the San Siro on November 16 and friendly at home to Albania 48 hours on.
CROATIA – Dejan Lovren
Balotelli could cross swords with Lovren in that first encounter. The Liverpool defender is with Croatia, who begin a double-header by facing Argentina in London on Wednesday November 12.
SLOVAKIA – Martin Skrtel
The dominant defender will look to help Slovakia maintain their strong opening to qualifying when they take a trip to FYR Macedonia on November 15. A friendly with Finland is also on their schedule for three days later.
IVORY COAST – Kolo Toure
The in form centre-back is part of the Ivory Coast team that must navigate a pair of Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers – Sierra Leone on November 14 and Cameroon on Wednesday November 19.
BRAZIL – Philippe Coutinho
The playmaker has retained his Brazil berth. The South American giants have arranged two clashes in Europe, taking on Turkey on November 12 and Austria on November 18.
GERMANY U21 – Emre Can
Can has been recalled to the Germany U21 squad, with a pair of friendlies on the agenda – against the Netherlands on Thursday November 13 and the Czech Republic five days later.