Brazil and Argentina are handing unwelcome selection headaches to the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham by refusing the early release of Premier League-based players from international duty.
Both of the South American nations have stated that those selected in their latest squads must complete a three-game run through World Cup qualification.
With Brazil and Argentina not due to take in their final fixtures of the international break until the early hours of October 15 BST, there is little chance of those that play their club football in England making it back for domestic duty the following day.
What has been said?
Brazil boss Tite has told reporters when asked about allowing players to return to their respective clubs ahead of schedule: "There was never that possibility [of them returning to England early]. They were called up for the three games."
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said: "We are not going to do the same as last time with the Premier League players.
"Before the game with Venezuela I said that they came to play all three games but the players raised a difficult decision for me and I understood it, I released them.
"Now the players are here to play the three games. Under no point of view they will leave earlier."
Which players have been selected?
Manchester City pair Ederson and Gabriel Jesus form part of the Brazil squad, along with Liverpool duo Alisson and Fabinho.
The Selecao have also called upon Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz, Chelsea defender Thiago Silva, Manchester United star Fred, Leeds winger Raphinha and Tottenham full-back Emerson Royal.
Argentina, meanwhile, have Villa keeper Emi Martinez and Spurs pair Cristiano Romero and Giovani Lo Celso in their ranks – with that trio causing controversy during the September break when they travelled without quarantining and saw a meeting with Brazil abandoned once health officials had entered the field.
In the latest round of games, Brazil will face Venezuela, Colombia and Uruguay, while Argentina tackle Paraguay, Uruguay and Peru.
Which Premier League games will be impacted?
Jurgen Klopp, Pep Guardiola, Thomas Tuchel, Nuno, Marcelo Bielsa, Dean Smith and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer are now having to revise selection plans.
Liverpool will take in a trip to Watford in the lunchtime kick-off on October 16, while Manchester City host Burnley at 3pm BST that Saturday afternoon and Chelsea pay a visit to west London neighbours Brentford at 5.30pm.
Manchester United are also in action at 3pm, against Leicester, as are Leeds and Aston Villa, who face Southampton and Wolves respectively.
Tottenham ’s away date at Newcastle will not take place until Sunday afternoon, but there is still little chance of their South American contingent returning in time for that fixture.
Further reading
- Alisson, Cavani & Premier League stars cleared for World Cup qualifiers
- Alisson concerned over Brazil players' row
- ‘It’s not right’ – Liverpool boss Klopp blasts quarantine rules