Liverpool: Klopp's return date revealed

The Liverpool manager missed his side’s match against Chelsea last week.

Jurgen Klopp tested positive for COVID-19 before his side’s 2-2 draw against Chelsea last Sunday. Three days later, Klopp’s assistant Pep Lijnders also tested positive for the virus.

The English giants close their training centre amid growing fear of a Covid outbreak at the club. EFL postponed the Reds’ Carabao Cup match against Arsenal on Wednesday. However, Klopp’s side will return to action in an FA Cup game against Shrewsbury on Sunday.

In a pre-match interview, assistant coach Peter Krawietz provided an update on the German manager’s health.

“We hope he will be involved,” he said (via Fotmob).

“He‘s fine. He has to do tests, but we hope he will be fine for tomorrow.”

A Benin magician has threatened Sadio Manè of Liverpool that he will die of heart attack if he tries to play in the 2021 AFCON tournament in Cameroon.

Mane’s responded: “I grew up convinced that death is in the hands of Allah only” 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/rh2Ye7QaEj
— African Hub (@TheAfrican_Hub) January 6, 2022

Asked about his side’s personnel situation, he added:

“I can’t tell you exact numbers but obviously, the situation is like that for the game tomorrow,” he said. “We have a squad, we have a team and will try to win this game.

“It’s a difficult situation out there. We had a couple of injuries, illness, COVID cases. This is the situation we have to deal with.

“We’re still waiting on a few results with players who are not here today. They have to do their test before they can join the building. This is why I cannot give exact numbers.

“The training ground being shut means nobody could come here. We tried to stay in contact with our players during this period, just like we did in lockdown.

“Everyone is on their own and, thanks to our great working department, we were able to find solutions for the players.”

Liverpool have been struggling for form recently. The Reds have not won any of their last four games, slipping 11 points behind league leaders Manchester City.

Following the game against Shrewsbury, Liverpool will play against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-finals. The Reds will then return to Premier League action with a match against Brentford on Sunday.