London: Following reporting a suspected positive Covid-19 test, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp will not be on the sidelines when the Reds travel to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea in a Premier League encounter on Sunday.
Peijn Lijnders, Liverpool’s assistant manager, will take command of the vital match between the higher-ranked teams. Klopp has been placed in isolation after experiencing minor symptoms, according to the Merseyside club.
“Testing of the entire first-team set-up has revealed no further positive cases within the playing squad in addition to the three confirmed by Klopp on Friday,” Liverpool said in a statement.
“Three backroom staff members have returned suspected positive results, however,” it added.
Klopp announced on Friday that three players and several staff had tested positive for the virus, but that it was too early to request a postponement from the Premier League.
Since last month, the league has postponed 18 games, including Liverpool’s Boxing Day match against Leeds United, owing to COVID-19 breakouts and injuries at numerous clubs, leaving them with insufficient players to complete fixtures.
Virgil van Dijk, Thiago Alcantara, Fabinho, and Curtis Jones have all been out of action for Liverpool in recent weeks after being placed in isolation owing to suspected positive COVID-19 tests. Earlier this week, the foursome returned to practice.
With 41 points after 18 games, Liverpool is in third position in the Premier League, a point behind second-placed Chelsea but with a game in hand.
