Liverpool have revealed that manager Jurgen Klopp will miss their match against Chelsea on January 2 due to a positive COVID test.
Klopp confirmed in his pre-match press conference on Friday that three players had tested positive for the virus, as well as some members of the staff.
The German has now returned a positive test himself, though, meaning that he will not be able to be in the dugout for the match against fellow title hopefuls Chelsea on Sunday.
"Jurgen Klopp will miss Liverpool's Premier League meeting with Chelsea on Sunday after returning a suspected positive COVID-19 test result," read a statement on Liverpool's official website.
"The Reds manager, who reported mild symptoms ahead of the fixture, is now isolating. Assistant manager Pepijn Lijnders will therefore lead the team for the 4.30pm GMT kickoff at Stamford Bridge.
"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. Three backroom staff members have returned suspected positive results, however."
Liverpool currently sit third in the Premier League table, one point behind Chelsea.
Barney Corkhill
