11 September 2023 , 04:00
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When Liverpool return from the international break, Jurgen Klopp's side will want to build on a quietly impressive start to the season.
The Reds are one of six Premier League teams unbeaten after four games of the campaign. The last of those matches saw them record an impressive 3-0 victory over Aston Villa, despite the absence of Ibrahima Konate through injury and Virgil van Dijk through suspension.
England's draw with Ukraine was the first appearance for ex-Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson since his move to Saudi Arabia, and that's been one of the weekend's bigger stories. Here are the latest lines from around Anfield.
Former Reds target Verratti moving to Qatar
Earlier in the summer, it looked as though Marco Verratti could help solve Liverpool's midfield issues. The Italian international was out of favour at Paris Saint-Germain, but Jurgen Klopp ultimately turned his attentions elsewhere.
According to L'Equipe (via Get French Football News), though, the former Pescara midfielder is now one of two PSG stars set for Qatar. He is due to join Al-Arabi, while the French club are also due to sell Julian Draxler to Al-Ahli.
Klopp's dream Liverpool line up as last-gasp January transfers rejected
Verratti, who joined PSG in 2012, made his 400th appearance for the club last term. Germany international Draxler, who spent last season on loan at Benfica, was linked with Crystal Palace earlier in the summer but opted against a link-up with former Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson.
Henderson England questions
Former Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole has raised questions over Jordan Henderson's longer-term England future after the 33-year-old's move to Al-Ettifaq. Henderson played 90 minutes for the Three Lions on Saturday as they drew with Ukraine in Wroclaw.
Has Jordan Henderson harmed his England prospects by leaving Liverpool? Have your say in the comments section
Jordan Henderson played the full 90 minutes for England against Ukraine (Foto Olimpik/NurPhoto/REX/Shutterstock)"From a footballing perspective, I can understand why it puts Gareth in a difficult position," Cole said during Channel 4's coverage of the Euro 2024 qualifier. "Is he going to be as sharp as he was? You have to remember the margins that England went out with against France at the last World Cup.
"You have to be so sharp, every player on the pitch. Henderson will know he’s put his England future in jeopardy."
Tsimikas contract talks 'advancing'
Liverpool are making progress on talks with Kostas Tsimikas over a new deal, according to Fabrizio Romano. Earlier in the week, The Athletic reported that an extension was close to being confirmed, with the Greek international to extend his stay until 2027.
Tsimikas joined Liverpool in 2020, having begun his career with Olympiacos. He has largely played backup to Andy Robertson in the league, with nearly half of his 61 Reds outings coming in cup competitions.
The defender, whose current deal runs until 2025, is away on international duty with Gus Poyet's Greece. Poyet's team played Gibraltar on Sunday night, having lost to The Netherlands on Thursday.