Jurgen Klopp will miss Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Chelsea on Sunday after returning what the club called a “suspected” positive test for coronavirus.
Liverpool confirmed Klopp’s assistant Pep Lijnders will take charge for the fixture, and said no further players have been affected beyond the three previously confirmed by Klopp.
Manager Jurgen Klopp believes Sunday’s Premier League game at Chelsea is not yet close to being called off.
The Reds boss declined to name the trio as they were still awaiting PCR test confirmations but in training pictures released by the club yesterday notable absentees from the group included goalkeeper Alisson Becker and Roberto Firmino.
“We have three new Covid cases in the team and a few more in the staff so it’s not so cool at the moment,” said Klopp.
“I’m not able to say who it is because we have to do the whole process, get a proper PCR, but you will see the day after tomorrow on the team sheet it will be pretty clear who is affected or infected.
“We never had this proper outbreak where 15 to 20 players had it. For us it is every day, another one, stuff happens more and more often.
“It’s like a lottery in the morning, waiting for the result. It is pretty much day-by-day, always one case, then another one.
“We have to wait as the boys are not in yet. In this moment (we will) probably not (ask for a postponement) but we don’t know how it will look in a few hours.”
Liverpool have recorded three new positive Covid-19 cases but manager Jurgen Klopp believes Sundays Premier League game at Chelsea is not yet close to being called off.
Nick Potts
In addition to the three Covid cases, Takumi Minamino and Thiago Alcantara will miss the trip to Chelsea on Sunday.
“Taki is probably closer (to fitness). Taki is running outside, Thiago not yet,” added Klopp.
“For him it will take a little longer, it is a hip issue but we don’t have an idea where it’s coming from so we have to be patient with that.”
Sunday’s trip to Stamford Bridge will be the last time for a month Klopp is able to select the Premier League’s top scorer Mohamed Salah, fellow forward Sadio Mane or midfielder Naby Keita.
All three head off to the Africa Cup of Nations immediately after the match and replacing Salah – 15 league goals and nine assists – will be an issue which particularly taxes Klopp.
In normal circumstances he admits there would have been a longer-term plan established, but with Covid meaning teams can change at the last minute, he is having to resolve issues on a day-by-day basis.
“We knew for longer this situation would be difficult. Not only we lose three players but the players we have not available now will probably not be available for the first Arsenal (Carabao Cup semi-final) game,” said the manager.
“We have to see. You have to solve problems with football solutions and football solutions will happen with the players we have available.
“In the long term I know exactly how we could play if all the rest are fit, healthy and available. It is no problem and it would be a strong team.
“I don’t know who is available from (January) 3rd on. Let’s have a look in a moment when we know about that and we will find a solution and see how we get through that.”
Elsewhere in the Premier League Southampton have sought clarity over its decision to postpone Sunday’s match against Newcastle.
St Mary's, Southampton.
Mark Kerton
The game at St Mary’s has been postponed due to ongoing coronavirus cases and injuries among the Magpies squad.
Saints are understood to be frustrated by Newcastle’s inability to field a team, having been forced to use fringe and youth-team players in matches themselves over the last year.
The club were particularly low on senior numbers when they were thrashed 9-0 at Manchester United in February.
The Premier League said on Friday that its board had accepted Newcastle did not have the required number of available players to fulfil the fixture – 13 outfield players and a goalkeeper.
Under-21 players who have senior experience must also be included when assessing the eligible personnel available.
The Magpies’ match against Everton, scheduled for Thursday night, was called off earlier this week.