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Brazilian Premier League players who travelled for the international break will be unavailable for selection at the weekend due to the “five-day rule” of isolation after travel. Manchester United’s Fred is among the players that will miss Premier League action.
The Brazilian FA invoked the rule, which bans players not released by their clubs for international matches for 5 days after the end of an international break period.
English clubs have been informed by FIFA that they will be unable to select their Brazilian players for a five-day period. The Brazilian Football Association have asked to enforce rules after clubs blocked players from leaving for international duty #mulive [times]
— utdreport (@utdreport) September 8, 2021
Manchester United vs. Newcastle on Saturday is set to be the second debut for Cristiano Ronaldo, who re-joined the club near the end of the transfer window. United’s midfield options are now a bit limited. Scott McTominay didn’t start against Southampton or Wolves due to suffering a knock, Nemanja Matic is clearly struggling early this season, and Donny Van De Beek’s abilities in a deeper role are still questionable despite his self-promotional interview with Rio Ferdinand at the weekend.
It is reported that the Premier League clubs are attempting to protest this, and want to clear the players by the weekend.
Early response from PL clubs to Brazil decision is one of defiance. They are trying to find a solution that will clear the players to play this weekend + don't think it is right to prevent them doing so under circumstances. Big question is how far will they push it.
— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) September 8, 2021
Fred’s absence may be welcomed by some fans after poor performances against Southampton and early against Wolves, but he is regardless one of the first-choice options given the current depth in midfield. This may be a problem area again on Saturday.
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