Liverpool's October Internationals, 9th to 11th: Preview and Ways to Watch

It's another round of international matches, and already Liverpool are down a player after news that Dejan Lovren has been sent home from the Croatia camp with an abdominal tear broke this morning. It's the joy of the international break, and there hasn't even been a match played yet. Those start today…

Martin Skrtel, Liverpool's last remaining starting calibre centre half, will captain Slovakia as usual in a match few will expect them to get the result in. Then again, Spain are still working out the kinks as they try to rebound from a disastrous World Cup and Slovakia are at home. They should also be confident after defeating Ukraine on the road in a tough first round test in Group C, where they will be expected to at least make the top three.

For Spain, any potential Liverpool interest will have to wait. Though on form Alberto Moreno likely deserves to be included and Javier Manquillo might not be far off, both are with the U21s this time around as Spain's youngsters prepare for a two-legged playoff against Serbia.

It's hardly the most thrilling of contests for the neutral, but with England's Liverpool contingent, it's a hard match even for the otherwise neutral Liverpool fan to ignore. Daniel Sturidge was left at home in a rare show of common sense by the England coaching staff after a rather severe lack of it saw him injured while on international duty in September. That still leaves four Liverpool representatives to keep an eye on, though.

Jordan Henderson, Raheem Sterling, and Adam Lallana—who wasn't fit enough to be included on the squad last month—all unsurprisingly were called up, and all will be in contention to start. Sterling, despite his tiring legs and uneven form of late, should be a lock along with Henderson in midfield, while Lallana's Liverpool form has him at least close to his best. Rickie Lambert has also been called up and will start on the bench.

It can be easy to overlook the confusing, seemingly endless youth competitions on offer during every international break, but with both Liverpool's fullbacks expected to start for Spain's U21s in the first leg of their playoff against Serbia, this is one of the October break's highlights for Liverpool fans. Also involved for a relatively star-studded Spanish side are the likes of Isco, Iker Muniain, Gerard Deulofeu, Sergio Roberto, and Marc Muniesa.

The two sides will play the first leg on Friday, with the return on Tuesday. The winner of the playoff will secure a place in next summer's U21 European Champions, a competition where Spain are defending champions.

It may only be a friendly, but Argentina v. Brazil is always worth seeking out, and despite his poor club form, Philippe Coutinho will be involved as the two South American giants make their way to hazy Beijing in search of a payday. Brazil in particular, who didn't have to qualify for last summer's World Cup, have lately made a habit of taking their show on tour to the highest bidder, and all signs point to them continuing this trend.

And even if Coutinho doesn't play, it's a chance to see all your favourite soccer stars. Like Ariaga, Ariaga II, Bariaga, Aruglia, and Pizzoza. And also probably Neymar and Messi.

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Elsewhere, Simon Mignolet will be on the bench for Belgium v. Andorra on Friday (7:45PM BST/2:45PM EST), while Joe Allen isn't fit for Wales, an injured Mamadou Sakho won't be involved for France, and Mario Balotelli was again left out of the Italy squad. Dejan Lovren is now out of the picture for Croatia, who travel to face Bulgaria on Friday. Lazar Markovic will play for Serbia, but not until Saturday, when they face Armenia (5PM BST/12 noon EST).

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