Liverpool squad hit by three new Covid-19 cases ahead of crucial trip to Chelsea

Jurgen Klopp said the situation was not yet to an extent where the club would request the match at Stamford Bridge be postponed

Jurgen Klopp has cut a frustrated figure in recent weeks (Getty Images)

Liverpool have been hit by three new Covid-19 cases among the playing squad ahead of their crucial trip to Chelsea on Sunday.

Manager Jurgen Klopp did not reveal who had tested positive but hinted the cases would affect his first XI for the game at Stamford Bridge between second and third in the Premier League. “It’s not so cool at the moment,” Klopp said. “I’m not able to say who it is but it’ll be pretty clear on the team sheet.”

Liverpool were hampered by a small outbreak at the club earlier this month which saw key defender Virgil van Dijk among those to test positive. Now there are fresh cases among staff as well as the three players, but Klopp said the situation was not yet to an extent where the club would request the match be postponed.

“We never had this proper outbreak where 15 to 20 players had it,” Klopp said. “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.”

Klopp also confirmed that midfielders Thiago Alcantara and Takumi Minamino are both out of Chelsea game. “Taki is closer, running outside, Thiago not – it’s a hip issue. We have to be patient.”

Chelsea are currently second in the table, eight points adrift of leaders Manchester City, while Liverpool are one point behind in third with a game in hand.