Why isn’t Virgil van Dijk playing for Liverpool against Tottenham, does he have Covid?

The defender is absent for the Premier League clash at Anfield.
Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk. Picture: David Ramos/Getty ImagesLiverpool defender Virgil van Dijk. Picture: David Ramos/Getty Images
Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk. Picture: David Ramos/Getty Images

Virgil van Dijk misses Liverpool’s clash with Tottenham this afternoon after testing positive for Covid.

Thiago Alcantara, Fabinho and Curtis Jones are also absent for the game at Anfield having contracted coronavirus.

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Van Dijk, Fabinho and Curtis Jones were all unavailable for the 3-1 win over Newcastle on Thursday after testing positive.

Now Thiago has joined the trio on the sidelines after he registered a suspected positive test.

A club statement said: In addition, Jordan Henderson is absent through illness - but it’s not Covid-related.

A Liverpool statement said: “Thiago Alcantara will miss this afternoon’s Premier League fixture with Tottenham Hotspur after registering a suspected positive test for COVID-19.

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“The midfielder is now isolating and will play no part in the encounter in London.

“In addition, Jordan Henderson is also absent because of illness. The captain has registered a negative test for COVID-19, but has been withdrawn from selection due to feeling unwell.

“All of the Reds’ first-team squad and staff have been tested for COVID-19 on Saturday as well as this morning, with no further positive cases detected, which includes Henderson.”

Tyler Morton is handed his full Premier League debut for the Spurs clash.

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The youngster is one of three changes for the Newcastle victory. James Milner comes in for the absent Henderson while Naby Keita replaces Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Liverpool: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Konate, Robertson, Morton, Milner, Keita, Salagh, Jota, Mane.