PREMIER LEAGUE clubs could be without their South American stars for the final match before the World Cup as Conmebol requested they were allowed an early release.
Conmebol, the equivalent of Uefa for South America, made a formal request to Fifa to grant their players are free to link up with the squad from Wednesday, November 9.
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That is earlier than initially expected – players were expected to go after that weekend’s matches – and could prompt the European, African, North American and Asian federations to make similar requests.
TyC Sports report Fifa will now need to negotiate with clubs to work out the date players can jet off to Qatar.
But South American countries are hoping it is just four weeks away – giving international managers at least 11 days to get ready for the tournament.
Moises Caicedo’s Ecuador are involved in the opening game as they take on hosts Qatar in the curtain-raiser on November 20.
They are joined by five-time winners Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay.
And an early release date could prove a major blow for title-chasing Arsenal and Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United – with both sides brimming with South American talent.
Arsenal’s team includes Brazilian stars Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Jesus – who all have ambitions of making the expanded 26-man squad.
United, meanwhile, boast compatriots Fred, Casemiro and Antony as well as Argentine Lisandro Martinez.
The Gunners travel to Wolves on Saturday, November 12 while United head to Fulham on the Sunday.
Liverpool could also be hit hard if Alisson, Roberto Firmino, Fabinho and Darwin Nunez are unavailable to face Southampton on November 12.
Other South American stars eyeing a World Cup spot featuring in England’s top flight include Cristian Romero, Richarlison, Alexis Mac Allister, Ederson and Thiago Silva.
United’s 4.30pm kick-off at Craven Cottage is the final Premier League fixture before the six-week World Cup break.
Matches return on Boxing Day with the traditional bumper day of games.
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