Premier League clubs have ultimately decided what most South American soccer fans feared: players from this region won't be released for the international window in September. The decision is based on the UK's policy of incoming travelers and the 10-day quarantine they'd have to face.
Considering that players who arrive from red-listed countries could miss even more games if they suffer any other setback, England's top-flight sides have unanimously decided they won't release them for the upcoming international fixture.
Needless to say, this means a huge blow to all Conmebol confederations who were eager to put their best stars for the resumption of the 2022 Qatar World Cup Qualification. These are all the South American players by country who won't be eligible:
Argentina
Argentina will miss four players who had already been selected by Lionel Scaloni. World-class goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, Tottenham's duo Cristian 'Cuti' Romero and Giovani Lo Celso, who were all crowned in the 2021 Copa America will be big casualties. La Albiceleste will also miss Emiliano Buendía, who raises plenty of expectation.
Brazil
Brazil are by far the worst-hit team by this decision, as they will have to replace eight players from Tité's list. Liverpool's Alisson, Fabinho, and Roberto Firmino will all miss the fixture, just like Manchester City's Ederson and Gabriel Jesús. They'll also lose experience in Chelsea's Thiago Silva and Man United's Fred. To make things worse, Raphinha will miss a long-awaited appearance for La Verdeamarela, and Richarlison is a huge casualty up front.
Chile
La Roja would be also affected by this measure, as they'll already have to replace Watford's Francisco Sierralta. Meanwhile, Chile keep on waiting to see how Ben Brereton Díaz's situation unfolds, given he plays for English second-tier Blackburn Rovers. Unfortunately, it seems like he wouldn't be allowed either.
Colombia
Colombia will suffer the Premier League's decision not because of the number of players they'll miss, but because of who. Reinaldo Rueda will face a challenging ordeal having to replace two key pieces at the back such as Davinson Sanchez and Yerry Mina.
Ecuador
Meanwhile, Ecuador are certainly one of the least affected teams if we consider how many names Brazil or Argentina will miss, but they will still feel an impact. Gustavo Alfaro won't count on Brighton's young talent Moisés Caicedo, who plays a key role in the middle of the park.
Paraguay
Similar case to La Tri, Paraguay won't suffer the absence of several names but they will be hit without Miguel Almirón in their squad. The Newcastle star is their leader and Eduardo Berizzo will have a tough job in replacing him.
Uruguay
La Celeste are also going to face the upcoming Conmebol World Cup Qualifying triple-fixture with just one but heavy absence. Edinson Cavani won't be released by Manchester United, creating a huge problem for Oscar Washington Tabarez. Lucas Torreira of Arsenal would be another casualty unless he ultimately joins Serie A side Fiorentina.
Venezuela
La Vinotinto aren't going through a comfortable situation at all following José Peseiro's departure with less than two weeks for the resumption of the WC Qualifiers. Now, Venezuela won't be able to name Man City's Yangel Herrera, who missed the last Copa America through injury.
