Liverpool 'asked to move next game to an evening kick-off but Watford refused'

Liverpool asked Premier League chiefs to move their next match at Watford to an evening kick-off in a bid to make Alisson, Fabinho and Roberto Firmino available after international duty - but it was turned down by their opponents.

The Telegraph report that Watford opposed the request, arguing that fans will have already arranged travel plans and that it would be an inconvenience to them.

The Brazilian trio of Liverpool players have been called up to their national team this week, and are set to face Uruguay barely 24 hours before the Watford game.

If the tie was moved back, it would have given them the required break between matches to be able to play in the Premier League, but now they will all miss it.

After the request was turned down, Liverpool will now be forced to play the game at 12:30 on October 16 as initially planned, rather than the 7:45pm kick-off they had asked for.

The only way the influential Brazilian trio will now be able to play is if their country release them for club duty before their last match against Uruguay.

It has been reported that a private jet was set to be on standby to fly them straight home from Manaus after the Uruguay game if the Watford match was moved back.

Jurgen Klopp's side will not be the only Premier League outfit hampered by the upcoming South American qualifiers, with Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham, Everton, Leeds and Aston Villa also affected.