Dodi to represent 'Red Devils', Córdoba called up late

Travelling to play international games is just one of many things that has become more difficult due to the coronavirus pandemic. Players and clubs need to adhere to the quarantine rules in place upon their return, depending on where they have travelled to. Changes have been made in order to avoid situations such as what happened to Krzysztof Piątek during the first international break of the season, when he had to quarantine after returning from international duty with Poland and missed the first competitive match of the season. Players now only need to quarantine until they can present a negative Covid-19 test result.

Qualifiers, friendlies and Nations League matches

2020/21’s packed schedule has also had an impact on the second international break of the season. Instead of only playing two games, some Herthaner can look forward to three matches next weekend, across three separate competitions. Vladimir Darida will be the first Blue-White in action, as the Czech Republic take on Cyprus in a friendly, following by Nations League matches in Israel and Scotland. Niklas Stark and Germany also have three matches coming up, as they are set to play Turkey in a friendly following by Nations League games against Ukraine and Switzerland. Krzysztof Piątek and Poland will face Finland in a friendly before taking on Italy and Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Nations League.

Meanwhile, Dedryck Boyata and Belgium take on Ivory Coast in a friendly before their Nations League matches against England and Iceland. Hertha’s captain will be joined by one of his teammates from the capital, as Dodi Lukébakio received his first senior call-up for the Red Devils, after having made 17 appearances at the youth level. Peter Pekarik and Slovakia have the chance to secure their spot at next summer’s EUROs as they face Ireland in qualifying before their Nations League matches against Scotland and Israel. Meanwhile, Rune Jarstein and Norway only have Nations League matches to look forward to, as they take on Romania and Northern Ireland.

Cunha on the cusp of his debut for the Seleção

Lukébakio is not the only Herthaner hoping to make his senior debut for his country. Last week, Matheus Cunha received his first-ever senior Brazil call-up, as they take on Bolivia and Peru in World Cup qualifiers. “It’s the first time that I have the opportunity to play for the senior squad, which I’m very much looking forward to,” said Cunha, who has already been in touch with fellow countryman Neymar via WhatsApp. Jhon Córdoba was a late call-up to the Colombia squad on Monday, and could make his senior international debut against Venezuela or Chile.

Along with other members of the Hertha academy, Márton Dárdai has been called up to play for the Germany youth sides. The centre-back is part of a U19 squad set to face France in two friendlies. Deyovaisio Zeefuik has been selected for the Netherland U21s, as they take on Gibraltar and Cyprus in a U21 EUROs qualifier. Daishawn Redan is an alternate for both matches.