CHERRIES have seen a number of their international stars withdraw from duty at the last-minute due to injury and illness, including the likes of Philip Billing, David Brooks and Mark Travers.
However, they still have some stars in action as national teams continue in hot pursuit of World Cup qualifying points.
Cherries could yet have a handful of players in Qatar next winter – but how did they get on after the first day of international action for this September’s break?
Here’s how Cherries’ international stars performed…
Chris Mepham was an unused substitute during the 0-0 friendly between Finland and Wales in Helsinki.
Harry Wilson’s spot-kick was saved in what was the best chance of the fixture, while Mepham’s absence could mean he is in line to feature on Sunday 5 September when they take on Belarus on the route to Qatar.
New signing Ryan Christie played around 20 minutes for Scotland, after he replaced forward Che Adams during the 2-0 defeat at Denmark.
Quick-fire early goals from Daniel Wass and Joakim Maehle saw the Tartan Army sink to the loss. After four games, Scotland have five points, two behind the second and third-placed teams in Group F.
Orjan Nyland was also an unused substitute as Norway drew 1-1 at home to The Netherlands, courtesy of goals from Erling Haaland and Davy Klassen.
Group G is the closest in 2022 World Cup qualifying. Turkey lead the group on eight points, with the Netherlands, Montenegro and Norway all on seven points.
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