Brazil call up eight Premier League players for upcoming World Cup qualifiers

Leeds United v Liverpool – Premier League – Elland Road
(Image credit: Mike Egerton)

Eight Premier League players have been named in Brazil’s squad for next month’s World Cup qualifiers.

English clubs collectively agreed not to release players to countries on the Government’s coronavirus ‘red list’ for September’s internationals, which included Brazil.

The Brazilian federation (CBF) was one of four national associations who initially asked world governing body FIFA to bar the players from club duty for a five-day period, but the request was waived late on September 10.

See more

Quarantine exemptions for Premier League players are being discussed in a bid to avoid a fresh row ahead of the October break.

Chairs and chief executives of top-flight clubs were updated on the progress of talks between the league, the Government and FIFA at a league shareholders’ meeting in London on Wednesday.

There remains a possibility of an agreement being reached to avoid players having to quarantine for 10 days on their return.

That could involve strict conditions on players entering Covid-secure bubbles once they join up with their national team, and then returning to a similar set-up at their clubs.

Chelsea v Liverpool – Premier League – Stamford Bridge

Fabinho and Alisson, centre, have been called up by Brazil

FIFA president Gianni Infantino met British Prime Minister Boris Johnson earlier this week in a meeting around the United Nations General Assembly in New York.FIFA’s statement highlighting the meeting said the pair discussed “the ongoing co-operation established to support travel during international windows and partnership to ensure equal opportunities for all”.

The English-based players called up by Brazil are Alisson and Fabinho from Liverpool, Ederson and Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City, Emerson Royal of Tottenham, Thiago Silva from Chelsea, Manchester United midfielder Fred and Raphinha from Leeds.

Brazil are away to Venezuela and Colombia before a home match against Uruguay.

The last of those games kicks off in the early hours of the morning UK time on Friday, October 15, which would mean the players would almost certainly miss any league match that weekend if the federation insists on them remaining with the squad throughout.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola (left) has had Gabriel Jesus (pictured) and Emerson called up by Brazi

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola (left) has seen Gabriel Jesus (pictured) and Emerson called up by Brazil (Martin Rickett/PA)

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola was asked about the Brazil situation on Friday, prior to the squad announcement.

He said: “I don’t know anything. What I will say is that we are more than grateful for the Brazil players to go to their national team, like we always have been and like we always will be. There is the rule or law that you have to (let them go) but it is also a pleasure.

“But I don’t know if it’s going to happen, the pandemic situation all around the world is still there. Hopefully the authorities – the Premier League, the governments, the Brazilian federation – can find a solution that perfectly suits both sides. That’s what we want.

“The federations and governments just need to sit, talk and find a solution for the benefit of the players, the clubs and the Brazil national team.”

Read more
Fernandinho playing for Manchester City, 2019
The best Brazilian players in Premier League history
Thomas Tuchel
England World Cup qualifiers squad: Thomas Tuchel's full team
England boss Thomas Tuchel has laid down the law
England boss Thomas Tuchel SLAMS Mikel Arteta over 'schedule' double-standards
Jorginho celebrates with the Euro 2020 trophy after Italy's win over England in the final at Wembley.
Brazil-born players who represented European nations
Richard Rios of Colombia (L) plays against Vinicius Júnior of Brazil (R) during the CONMEBOL Copa America USA Group Stage match between Brazil and Colombia at Levi's Stadium on July 2, 2024 in Santa Clara, California.
How to watch Brazil vs Colombia: Live streams for World Cup qualifier
Neymar
Quiz! Can you get 100% in our Brazilian footballer quiz?
Latest in
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is expected to sanction plenty of sales this summer
When does the summer transfer window open?
Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta could both do with improving their respective attacks this summer
Arsenal to make bold move for Liverpool star with uncertain Anfield future: report
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Phil Foden of England reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
'When I see Phil Foden play, he just seems like a shy lad - that holds him back a little bit. He has been tried in every position, but he just hasn’t performed': Ex-England star makes bold claim about Manchester City man
Arsenal's William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes embrace each other in celebration at full-time of the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on 25 January, 2025
Arsenal face losing Gabriel AND William Saliba, as new fears arise: report
Kevin De Bruyne of Man City in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Ipswich Town FC at Etihad Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Kevin De Bruyne touted for shock move to South American giants: report
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 18: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of AS Roma, celebrates after the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AS Roma at BayArena on May 18, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho planning Premier League raid for superstar: report
Latest in News
Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta could both do with improving their respective attacks this summer
Arsenal to make bold move for Liverpool star with uncertain Anfield future: report
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Phil Foden of England reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
'When I see Phil Foden play, he just seems like a shy lad - that holds him back a little bit. He has been tried in every position, but he just hasn’t performed': Ex-England star makes bold claim about Manchester City man
Arsenal's William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes embrace each other in celebration at full-time of the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on 25 January, 2025
Arsenal face losing Gabriel AND William Saliba, as new fears arise: report
Kevin De Bruyne of Man City in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Ipswich Town FC at Etihad Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Kevin De Bruyne touted for shock move to South American giants: report
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 18: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of AS Roma, celebrates after the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AS Roma at BayArena on May 18, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho planning Premier League raid for superstar: report
Jack Grealish
Manchester City report: Jack Grealish poised for European switch, with price revealed