The international break has come back to haunt Liverpool once again as Andy Robertson joins the list of casualties.

While the injury to the Scotland captain isn't as bad as first feared, as the ECHO revealed this week, it is severe enough to rule him out of this weekend's clash against Brighton and Hove Albion. Robertson limped out of the friendly against Northern Ireland for Steve Clarke's side - a game in which Conor Bradley netted his first international goal.

However, needless matches wedged within the season have proven to be critical for the Reds. Joe Gomez, Diogo Jota, Mohamed Salah and Roberton are among those to have spent time on the sidelines as a result of problems picked up on national duty.

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For Jurgen Klopp, it is the second time that his left-back has picked up an injury the Premier League has been on hold. He suffered a serious shoulder injury in October when Scotland met Spain at Hampden Park.

The latest round of needless international fixtures has provided another selection headache and addition to the injury list, just as it appeared to be easing.

Sunday's visit of Roberto De Zerbi's side was earmarked for the return of Curtis Jones, after suffering an ankle injury against Brentford. Meanwhile, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jota have been sounded out for comebacks in the following games.

Alisson is likely to sidelined until the end of April after injuring his hamstring on the eve of the 4-1 win over the Bees. However, Caoimhin Kelleher has enjoyed his run in the first-team with several standout displays between the sticks.

Mohamed Salah remained in the North West, despite Egypt beginning life under Houssam Hassan, amid concerns over aggravating the hamstring problem that ended his Africa Cup of Nations involvement after one match. Darwin Nunez also pulled out of international duty after muscle concern in light of the defeat against Manchester United in the FA Cup.

This weekend will see Klopp tick off another home match as his time at Anfield draws to a close. De Zerbi has been linked with succeeding the German but the Italian is among the tacticians that the Liverpool boss hasn't beaten during his time in the Premier League.

In their last three meetings, Brighton have won once while the two couldn't be separated in De Zerbi's Seagulls bow during the 2022/23 season and also earlier in the campaign after Lewis Dunk saved a point.

The resumption of the Premier League marks the final stretch until the curtain comes down in May. With the Reds second on goal difference, there is no margin for error and Liverpool know that with Sunday the perfect opportunity for Klopp to break his De Zerbi duck.

How Liverpool could line-up after the international break

Kelleher; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Gomez; Endo, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Nunez, Diaz.

Returning: Conor Bradley, Curtis Jones.