LIVERPOOL are backing El Hadji Diouf and Salif Diao (right) - despite a growing rift in the Senegal squad over the absence of the Reds duo.
Both players failed to report for international duty on Wednesday for their country's African Nations Cup qualifier against Lesotho.
It prompted fears they had carried out their threat of strike action following the news Senegalese authorities are unlikely to reap-point World Cup coach Bruno Metsu as coach following a 10-month sabbatical coaching in the United Arab Emirates.
However, it emerged yesterday that Diouf had returned to his homeland because his stepfather is dying of cancer, while Diao considers himself not fit enough to play for his country at the moment.
Liverpool spokesman Ian Cotton said: "El Hadji Diouf was given permission by the manager and the club to return to Senegal to see his stepfather, who is dying of cancer.
"Like the rest of the squad, Salif Diao has been off for two days. He will report back for training with the rest of the players who aren't on international duty tomorrow."
Diao explained his absence and revealed: "For the moment, I will not come to the international squad any more. I don't care if people criticise me. Today, I am not even playing for my club. I am not even fit."
Despite the reasons for their absence, the Reds pair have continued to come under criticism from members of the Senegal squad over their apparent decision not to play under new national boss Abdoulaye Sarr.
Alou Cisse - whose Birmingham City side come to Anfield on Wednesday - said: "I have known Bruno for a long, long time. Even if there is still a chance of him coming back, we have already turned a new page."
Cisse added: "We have to think about the future.
"If some players do not want to come because he is not here any-more, it is a matter for them.
"I am not part of them. I don't do politics and, when El Hadji Diouf is talking, he must do it for himself and not other people."
Meanwhile, Liverpool midfielder Patrik Berger has confirmed he will quit Anfield when his contract expires next summer.
Berger has become disenchanted at his lack of regular first team football on Merseyside and has decided to seek pastures new.
The Czech international had been linked with pre-deadline moves to Celtic and Sunderland, but has opted to bide his time until July when he will be available on a Bosman free transfer.
"It's definite that I'll go somewhere else but it will be in July next year when my contract with Liverpool runs out," said Berger.
"I won't go earlier than that. I'm not even considering a winter move.
"Why would I extend a contract at a club where I don't play and I'm not even on the substitutes' bench?"
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