Liverpool are expecting right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold to return to training in the “coming days” as the Reds prepare for their Carabao Cup semi-final clash with Arsenal on Thursday.
The England international was not available for their FA Cup tie against Shrewsbury on Sunday, where they fought back from 1-0 down to win the game 4-1 against Salop.
The full-back has been isolating as per the protocols in football, with a number of players impacted by the virus that saw the first leg of the semi-final against Arsenal called off.
The Gunners have also been hit by a covid outbreak, with Granit Xhaka and Folarin Balogun confirmed as the latest two to have contracted the disease and are isolating.
It adds to a number of absences for the club, with Thomas Partey, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Mohamed Elneny and Nicolas Pepe all currently away at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Liverpool also have key players on international duty, with Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Naby Keita all absent for this week’s match.
Alisson and Joel Matip could make their return from a positive Covid test, while Roberto Firmino did just that from the bench with a goal on Sunday.
Ahead of the game, the official Liverpool Twitter account posted: “Trent is missing after registering a suspected positive COVID test shortly after Chelsea. He is expected to return to training in the coming days.”
It means that the Reds could have a timely boost to their team in time for the semi-final tie, with Jurgen Klopp's men looking to take something with them to the second leg at the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta will be hoping for some good news of his own heading into the match, with the Spaniard looking for a response to his side's 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup third round.
