Liverpool hero John Aldridge is upset by the timing of this month's international tournaments.
The Reds have lost players to both the Africa Cup of Nations and Asian Cup.
Aldridge wrote for the Sunday World: "International football was once the pinnacle of the sport, but it is in danger of becoming a nuisance in modern football.
"Back in the days when I was playing for Ireland, international matches were among the only games screened live on TV.
"There was no mega deal in place for coverage of club football, so the FA Cup and international matches were special for fans who got a rare chance to watch matches live on TV.
"Roll the clock forward three decades and the landscape of the game has changed beyond recognition, with dozens of live matches available each week and fans overloaded with choice as they pick which ones to watch.
"Amid this change, international football has lost its importance for millions of fans who would rather watch the Premier League each week than a European Championship qualifier.
"Throw in what we are seeing this month and I suspect many supporters would vote to get rid of international football in the middle of the club season if they had the chance.
"I can't think of any other profession in the world where an employee who is earning £300,000-a-week leaves the people paying his wages to do a job for someone else for a month.
"Oh, and if he is injured and can't return to work with his employer, it's up to them to cover the cost of his recovery and rehabilitation.
"Yet that's the scenario Liverpool are in with Mohamed Salah after he flew off to play for Egypt in the Africa Cup of Nations.
"And they are not alone in suffering this hammer blow.
"Tottenham will be without their captain Son Heung-min for a month as he is playing for South Korea in the Asia Cup. All of which could have a massive impact on the title race and the battle for a top-four finish in the Premier League.
"Lots of clubs around Europe are missing players this weekend and it could have a huge impact on their season.
"If Liverpool miss out on winning the title by a point or two, that may be down to Salah's absence over these next few weeks."
