Why Liverpool could get triple return boost for Leeds United clash after government Covid rule change

Liverpool could now be handed a triple boost for their Boxing Day clash with Leeds United.

After a changing of self-isolation rules for Covid-19 in England, the Reds may well welcome back Virgil van Dijk, Fabinho and Curtis Jones.

Background

The trio tested positive for coronavirus ahead of the Reds' 3-1 victory over Newcastle United last week.

They had to miss the game after self-isolating in accordance with government protocol.

Van Dijk, Fabinho and Jones have also missed Jurgen Klopp's side's 2-2 draw at Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday and Wednesday evening's dramatic penalty shootout victory over Leicester in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.

What's happened

The triumvirate were set to self-isolate for 10 days.

It meant that their final day in quarantine was likely to be December 26 - when Liverpool host Leeds United.

However, the government has now changed rules on self-isolation.

It has cut the time from 10 days to seven if people who have tested positive for coronavirus receive negative lateral flow tests on days six and seven.

That means you do not have to isolate for the full 10 days.

Secretary of state for health and social care, Sajid, Javid said: "We want to reduce the disruption from COVID-19 to people’s everyday lives.

"Following advice from our clinical experts, we are reducing the self-isolation period from 10 days to 7 if you test negative on a LFD test for 2 days running."

How could it impact Liverpool?

If van Dijk, Fabinho and Jones all receive two negative lateral flow tests on days six and seven, they could be back for the visit of Leeds.

However, Jurgen Klopp will be aware that all three have not trained properly for a substantial period and may not throw them back into match action straight away.

Instead, they could return for the trip to Leicester on Tuesday 28 December.

When will Thiago be available?

Thiago Alcantara is also currently self-isolating. He featured against Newcastle before testing positive ahead of the Spurs game.

The midfielder was expected to be absent until at least the new year, with Liverpool travelling to Chelsea on January 2.

But the change of government rules could speed up his return date.