Liverpool provide Covid-19 update as assistant manager speaks about the January transfer window

Liverpool assistant manager Peter Krawietz has spoken to the media ahead of tomorrow’s FA Cup third-round clash with Shrewsbury at Anfield (14.00).

Krawietz was on duty with boss Jurgen Klopp and his assistant, Pep Lijnders, currently isolating after contracting Covid-19.

Here are the main talking points from the press conference.

Covid issues

Liverpool have had well-documented problems following a coronavirus outbreak this week.

Alisson Becker, Roberto Firmino and Joel Matip missed last weekend’s 2-2 draw at Chelsea after testing positive were in isolation.

The Reds were forced to shut down their Kirkby-based training ground for several days due to a number of cases.

Their Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at Arsenal on Thursday was also postponed due to a threadbare squad.

Krawietz couldn’t give the exact numbers of players who may not be available against Shrewsbury - although Matip is back training.

He said: “I can’t tell you exact numbers but obviously the situation is like that for the game tomorrow.

“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 as well 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.

“I can’t talk about names. Joel Matip joined training yesterday but we have to see if he’s available or not.”

Klopp’s return

Klopp was also missing from the touchline in the Chelsea draw.

There are hopes he will be back in the dugout tomorrow but it depends on how his Covid test results.

Krawietz said: “We hope so, of course. He is well so far, he feels fine.

“For this, he has to do tests as well and we hope he will be fine to be in tomorrow.”

January plans

The January transfer window has now been open for a week but Liverpool have yet to sign anyone.

That’s seemingly been the plan all along despite Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Naby Keita departing for the African Cup of Nations.

Given the number of Covid cases, some fans would like to see Liverpool bolster their numbers.

Krawietz insists there will be discussions if the Reds feel they need reinforcements before the window shuts.

“Of course, it’s a long-term club decision but we take the situation like it is,” he said.

“We knew about the situation already, especially the African players having to play in the tournament - hopefully it’s successful.

“The Covid situation is like it is. If it is necessary to react in the transfer market, it’s a club decision but we have to discuss that.”

Selection hint

Given the number of Covid cases, Liverpool look set to call up some of their under-23 and under-18 players.

Krawietz explained that will be the case although there have been some coronavirus cases among the under-23s.

He said: “Yes. In the under-23s, we have a few Covid cases, a few are back now and can join the squad.

“We will choose a team able to play a proper football way. We want to play a proper game tomorrow, that is the idea, following our ideas of defending and playing good football attacking-wise.

“Then we will see what the outcome will be.

“I hope excitement is the right word. Looking forward to that game. I hope they can’t wait until the game starts and is the opposite of being nervous.

“We try to make them as confident as they can be and focused as they need to be. That’s how we try to prepare them.

“In football, it’s always like that. It’s not about avoiding mistakes, it’s about the reaction to mistakes.”