Overview

• Liverpool entered the international break on a three-game losing run to Crystal Palace, Galatasaray and Chelsea, leaving them second in the Premier League a point behind Arsenal.
• Emile Heskey said the pause offers Arne Slot and his staff a needed window to review defensive issues and study recent performances.
• Michael Owen urged patience, saying Mohamed Salah remains dependable and Alexander Isak is regaining sharpness after lacking a full pre-season.
• Jurgen Klopp defended Florian Wirtz as a "once in a century talent" and said criticism of the £116m signing has been exaggerated.
• Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish said Marc Guehi stayed because of the club’s first European campaign this season, while Steven Gerrard’s decision to decline a Rangers return drew angry reactions from some fans.