Liverpool have been dealt a major blow ahead of their weekend trip to Tottenham after three first-team stars tested positive for Covid-19.
Manchester United’s visit to Brentford and Spurs’ trip to Leicester were both called off in midweek due to outbreaks while a further four fixtures have also been cancelled this weekend.
Antonio Conte has seen his side’s last three matches postponed because of Covid-19 after eight first-team members tested positive in recent weeks.
As things stand, their match with Liverpool is set to go ahead but the Reds have seen three players test positive for the virus ahead of their clash with Newcastle.
Virgil van Dijk, Fabinho and Curtis Jones will all enter a period of self isolation after testing positive, one that will mean missing the Sunday trip to north London.
In a statement on the club’s official website, Liverpool said: “Fabinho, Curtis Jones and Virgil van Dijk will miss tonight’s Premier League fixture against Newcastle United after registering suspected positive tests for COVID-19.”
They continued: “The three players are now isolating.
“As a result, the entire Reds’ set-up, including all players and staff, were tested for COVID-19 again today with no further positive cases being detected.”
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Liverpool are one of three teams pushing hard for the Premier League title this season with Manchester City leading the way and Chelsea sat just behind.
Jurgen Klopp’s men are the top scorers in the division and will fancy their chances against Spurs, despite Conte’s impact gradually becoming apparent.
Spurs currently have three games in hand over some teams in the top-flight after seeing their clash with Brighton called off due to Covid-19 and a trip to Burnley scuppered by snow.