International matches-a-plenty this Easter weekend and most Liverpool players that aren’t in the treatment room are on duty for their countries.
Of Liverpool’s three first-choice ‘keepers, Chris Kirkland is injured, Scott Carson played last night for the England under 21’s and Jerzy Dudek is in action for Poland against Azerbaijan on Saturday.
Only seven of the starting line-up against Everton on Sunday lasted until the end of the game, and six of these are on duty for their countries.
Also on duty are Milan Baros and Sami Hyypia. Finland’s Hyypia was an unused substitute in the derby, the Czech Republic’s Baros was sent off in the same game, and they will line up against each other. Ex-red Jari Litmanen is also expected to start for Finland.
Steve Finnan looks likey to start in Israel for the Republic of Ireland – although in midfield. John Arne Riise is free this weekend, but he will be travelling to Moldova for Norway’s game on Wednesday.
Luis Garcia was a player who struggled through the second half on Sunday with an injury, but now looks set to finally make an appearance for Spain. The feeling is that he’ll start on the bench and be brought on in the second-half. Garcia is looking forward to it: “I am really excited, once again it almost got ruined at the last moment, but I was able to recover. Now my objective is to play. The most important thing is that the coach is counting on you and you are able to make a contribution.”
Also in action is Steven Gerrard for England against Northern Ireland, with Jamie Carragher hoping to be at least a substitute in the same fixture.