Liverpool star rejects call-up for his national team

He will stay at Anfield over the break

As is typical in November, club sides across the globe expect many of their top talents to depart abroad in order to help their teams with World Cup qualification, and the situation is no different for Premier League champions who will see 17 first-team players leave.

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While the Three Lions have already secured a spot at next summer's tournament, many top nations still have work to do to ensure they qualify.

One such nation is Italy who, despite having won the Euros in 2021, have not played at a World Cup since 2014 and will be desperate to put their woeful qualification record to an end.

Even so, Italian national team manager Gennaro Gattuso confirmed this week that Federico Chiesa will take no part in the upcoming matches.

The former AC Milan player said: "I often talk to him. We have to respect the decisions and problems that each of us has.

"We know well what we tell each other, and I must respect what the player tells me. I can't say anything else."

Gattuso did not provide a reason for Chiesa's decision.

The 28-year-old former Fiorentina and Juventus star has emerged as a fan favourite on the red side of Merseyside this season after an injury plagued first campaign.

He has played 12 times from the bench and registered five goal contributions.

Italy will have to cope without Chiesa's support as they face Moldova on Thursday before their clash with group leaders Norway on Sunday.