Liverpool’s new boy, Thiago, has tested positive for Covid-19 meaning he will definitely miss Arsenal’s trip back up to Anfield on Thursday night.

Liverpool's German manager Jurgen Klopp (L) greets Liverpool's Spanish midfielder Thiago Alcantara after winning the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge in London on September 20, 2020. (Photo by Matt Dunham / POOL / AFP)
Liverpool’s German manager Jurgen Klopp (L) greets Liverpool’s Spanish midfielder Thiago Alcantara after winning the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge in London on September 20, 2020. (Photo by Matt Dunham / POOL / AFP)

Thiago was a welcome absentee when Arsenal played Liverpool on Monday night in the first of their double-header this week given the trouble we had with the rest of their players and the problems Arsenal have in midfield.

When asked about where his new signing from Bayern Munch was, Jurgen Klopp was coy but it has now been revealed that the reason Thiago won’t return until after the international break is that the 29-year-old is self-isolating with minor symptoms after testing positive for Covid-19.

Both sides are expected to make a host of changes for Thursday’s Carabao Cup game before their respective league games at the weekend. After that, we head into the tedium that is an international break and wondering how the Premier League bubble is going to survive players jetting off all over the world.

“Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara has tested positive for COVID-19 and is currently self-isolating according to the necessary guidelines,” Liverpool said in a statement.

“The 29-year-old, who missed Monday’s match against Arsenal, has exhibited minor symptoms of the virus but is in good health and is getting better.

“The club has, and will continue to follow, all protocols relating to COVID-19 and Thiago will remain in self-isolation for the required period of time.

LFC first-team doctor, Dr Jim Moxon, added: “It is the choice of each individual whether they reveal publicly the outcome of a COVID-19 test.

“We have followed all the protocols to the letter and Thiago is OK. He will be self-isolating now as per the guidelines and hopefully he’ll be back with us