Welcome to the ECHO's Liverpool FC live blog for Friday, October 13.
As many tie today's date with bad omens, it is already off to a bad start for all concerned with Liverpool. Anfield staff and supporters alike had to watch on as Andy Robertson was forced off with injury for Scotland last night. The full-back suffered a nasty clash with Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon, who landed on the Liverpool man's shoulder.
Robertson was forced off before half-time, holding his arm tight to his body - not a good look ahead of next week's Merseyside derby. There is more news to come with this story.
Meanwhile in the transfer market Jurgen Klopp is reportedly eyeing a long-term left back replacement in Patrick Dorgu of Lecce, with it suggested a deal could be explored in January. On the other hand linked midfielder Fede Valverde seems set to put pen to paper on an improved deal at Real Madrid.
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Keep tabs on the latest news, views and Liverpool FC transfer rumours below.
Konate comes out on top vs Van Dijk
Ibrahima Konate played 90 minutes as France booked their place at Euro 2024 by beating the Netherlands 2-1.
Virgil van Dijk captained the Dutch, though could not help his team to victory versus Les Blues.
It means the Netherlands will now battle it out with Greece for second place in Group B.
Doak on target
Ben Doak has got on the scoresheet for Scotland under-21s versus Hungary.
The Liverpool forward scored in the 32nd minute of the match before later being replaced by Michael Mellon - son of former Tranmere boss Micky - in the 62nd minute.
Trent starts
Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has been named in the England starting eleven to face Australia.
Former Red Jordan Henderson is also involved from the off.
Your #ThreeLions starting tonight! pic.twitter.com/1olbk0hfry
— England (@England) October 13, 2023
Doak starts
Ben Doak starts for Scotland under-21s this evening as they take on Hungary in a European Championship qualifier.
There are other members of the Liverpool squad who will also be in action for their country this evening, such as Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Kostas Tsimikas.
#SCO21s | Your Scotland Men's Under-21s team taking on Hungary at Fir Park this evening.
— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) October 13, 2023
Watch here from 7pm: https://t.co/9yGRZ85rqm#YoungTeam pic.twitter.com/T1VZcANY0w
Sturridge speaks out
Daniel Sturridge has responded to recent reports regarding a reward payment he had allegedly not paid to an individual who found his missing dog in 2019.
To whom it may concern… pic.twitter.com/0R8rtY7MdO
— Daniel Sturridge (@DanielSturridge) October 13, 2023
Manchester City vs Liverpool kick-off decision
Manchester City's Premier League meeting with Liverpool next month will no longer take place at its expected kick-off time of 5:30pm, it has been claimed.
The two teams are set to face off at the Etihad on November 25 in the late Saturday slot, though this has now been brough forward to 12:30pm due to concerns over "fan trouble".
That is according to the Daily Mail, who add recent incidents that have occured during matches between the sides has served as the reason for this change.
First start, first assist for Trey Nyoni
Trey Nyoni played 77 minutes for England under-17s as they drew 2-2 with Norway.
The Liverpool talent notched an assist for Jay Robinson's opener as the Norwegian youngsters equalised late on, after Tottenham Hotspur's Mikey Moore put the Young Lions back in front.
'I wouldn't say Saliba is the best in the world yet. I believe that Dayot Upamecano and Virgil Van Dijk are above'
Marcel Desailly believes Virgil van Dijk is better than William Saliba.
The Arsenal defender has impressed for the Gunners leading to claims that he has ousted Van Dijk as one of the best defenders in the Premier League, as well as the world.
"I wouldn't say Saliba is the best in the world yet. I believe that Dayot Upamecano and Virgil Van Dijk are above Saliba, even though Van Dijk has dropped a little bit," he told Gambling Zone.
"We do, however, need to give Saliba time. He only arrived two years ago and, back then, nobody knew his name. He was never mentioned! Let's allow him to exercise and practice his craft at the highest level."
Although he did claim that Upamecano is better than Van Dijk... which I'm not so sure about.
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Japan extend winning run
It was yet another win for Japan who beat Canada 4-1.
Liverpool past and present represented the Blue Samurai in Niigata as Takumi Minamino and Wataru Endo started.
Japan's last defeat was in March, they have won their last five.
Richard Dunne makes Evan Ferguson Liverpool claim
Richard Dunne believes Evan Ferguson could play for Liverpool in the future.
The Brighton striker has been one of the standout players since Roberto De Zerbi took over at the AMEX Stadium.
Speaking to BoyleSports, who offer the latest Premier League betting & odds markets, Richard Dunne said: "I'm sure Evan Ferguson would be delighted at the thought of playing for Liverpool and Manchester United as most Irish boys would dream of that!
"I think it'll happen for him in the future, but he's still learning his trade at the moment at Brighton. He's in for some games, rested for others, and is still developing as a player.
"I'm sure Brighton will help him move on when he feels the time is right. He'll have the pick of all the top clubs when he does! You rarely get young players as versatile as him.
"I think it's too soon for him at the moment, but it won't be long before it's time to move on."
18+ Be Gamble Aware. #Ad.
Liverpool eyeing Max Eberl as next sporting director
According to BILD, Liverpool are looking at making Max Eberl as Jorg Schmadtke's successor.
The former RB Leipzig sporting director was sacked from his duties after the club cited 'lack of commitment' for their reasons behind the decision.
During that time, Bayern Munich were reportedly in the hunt to acquire the German chief.
Now the outlet is claiming that the Reds are challenging the Bavarians for his signature.
Momentous nights for Harvey Elliott and Jarell Quansah
It was a night to remember for Harvey Elliott and Jarell Quansah as England under-21s thrashed Serbia under-21s 9-1 at Nottingham Forest's City Ground.
Elliott netted a goal at the end of both halves during the rout. His first of the night was a thunderbolt into the top left corner before he picked the pockets of the Serbia defender to race through and round off the scoring.
Quansah was handed his first Young Lions appearance as he replaced Jarrad Branthwaite after 77 minutes.
Liverpool vs Everton beckons
The Merseyside derby between Liverpool women and Everton women is just days away.
Matt Beard's side with the likes of Missy Bo Kearns in his squad will be looking to earn bragging rights over the Blues at Anfield.
It was disappointment the last time the two met in front of the Kop but they've had a strong start and looking to seek revenge.
Darwin Nunez reacts to Uruguay heroics
Darwin Nunez was the hero for Uruguay as the Liverpool star salvaged a point against Colombia.
The attacker stepped up and finished emphatically from the spot.
Nunez continues to lead the line for the next generation in Montevideo after Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani ended their time with the national team. And the 24-year-old said he doesn't feel the pressure.
"I am very happy with the team's dedication because we left everything in the 90 minutes and took a good point," he said.
"The truth is that when they scored the second goal I thought it was going to cost us much more, but we knew how to control it and in the end, we got that penalty that was very good for us.
"We are going to continue working as we have been doing until now, we have a good team, with many young people, but I believe in my teammates and we are going to leave everything.
"That pressure must be felt by others because I know that I am supported by the coach, my teammates and my family."
Scotland manager reacts to Andy Robertson shoulder injury
Andy Robertson will return to Liverpool with a shoulder injury, Scotland manager Steve Clarke has revealed.
Robertson was on the receiving end of a challenge which saw Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper, Unai Simon, land awkwardly on the defender.
Clarke was coy on the nature of the defender's shoulder injury but admitted his hopes that the Scotland skipper can return quickly for club and country, as they eye European Championships qualification.
"Obviously he hurt his shoulder. We'll have a look and he'll go back to his club," he said.
"It always seem to happen when you lose one player in that position so we lose Kieran (Tierney) off the left side and Andy's picked up a shoulder injury.
"We'll see how it is, see how it settles down and hopefully he's good for his club as quickly as possible and ready to help us in November."
Liverpool linked Fede Valverde signs bumper deal
Liverpool were linked a move for Fede Valverde but reports suggest he has agreed to a new deal.
He signed a six-year deal in 2021 but the 25-year-old, according to The Athletic, has signed a bumper extension which has increased his salary keeping him in Madrid until 2028.
The Reds were tentatively linked during the summer but nothing came to fruition.
Andy Robertson set for scans after dislocated shoulder
The Athletic have claimed that Andy Robertson has dislocated his shoulder after Unai Simon landed awkwardly on the Liverpool defender.
It has been reported that the Scotland captain will return home and undergo a scan on Thursday.
It's a blow for the Reds as their stars continue to feature for their country before they face Everton next Saturday.
Liverpool handed Andy Robertson injury blow after Scotland incident
Not the way anybody wants to start the day, but it is a truth that is impossible to escape. Andy Robertson looked in some discomfort whilst on international duty last night and the images weren't good as he was forced off with a shoulder injury.
The Liverpool full-back clashed in the air with Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon, who then accidentally landed on Robertson's right shoulder with force.
Read the full story HERE. The ECHO will bring further updates as and when they come.
Good morning, Reds!
Good morning and welcome to the ECHO's Liverpool FC live blog this Friday. Follow along for all of the latest transfer and injury updates.
