Brazil Call Up Liverpool’s Alisson, Fabinho, and Firmino

Late September is a wonderful time of year here in Southern California: the weather cools down a little, Oscar-film season begins to rev up, playoff baseball is in the air, professional basketball season is in the offing, and there is no international break. It is a perfect time.

But like an unexpected houseguest or the proverbial other shoe, the international break is always just off screen, lingering and waiting to wreak havoc. And that is how we, only a little over a week removed from the end of the previous international break, have arrived as this official announcement that Brazilian coach Tita has announced his 23-man squad for the October break, calling up Liverpool FC’s own Alisson Becker, Roberto Firmino, and Fabinho.

Brazil’s matches in October will take place in Saudi Arabia: the first being a match up with the host nation in Riyadh, followed by a tilt against regional rivals Argentina in Jedda. The call up itself is not very surprising because all three were included in the previous squad selection. It also bodes well for Fabinho who has maintained his place despite limited playing time to start the season for the Reds. The lanky midfielder did make his debut for Liverpool in the waning moments of the Champions League opener against Paris St. Germain last week.

It isn’t fun to think of another international break being a mere few weeks away, but thankfully, it will come after a very congested fixture list for Liverpool, the break could be useful for some to get a bit of a breather - especially considering the quality of Liverpool’s opponents. In that vein, the hope is that since these ties are all friendlies, Liverpool’s contingent might see limited minutes and return fresh and rested from their dalliance with their international teams. Still, it’s a hearty congratulations to these Reds for earning the honor to represent their respective nation.