Sadio Mane has tested positive for COVID-19 and is currently self-isolating according to the necessary guidelines.
The forward, who started and scored in Monday’s 3-1 victory over Arsenal, has displayed minor symptoms of the virus but feels in good health overall.
However, like with Thiago Alcantara, Liverpool Football Club are – and will continue to – follow all protocols relating to COVID-19 and Mane will self-isolate for the required period of time.
In the Premier League, 10 new cases were recorded in the latest round of testing. The likes of Ilkay Gundogan, the Manchester City midfielder, and West Ham manager David Moyes have all tested positive in recent weeks, despite stringent measures employed by clubs to ensure the risk is minimalised.
Mane’s absence against Aston Villa could mean Diogo Jota is handed his first Premier League start for Liverpool. The £45 million signing started the Carabao Cup defeat to Arsenal on Thursday and could now deputise on the left at Villa Park. Takumi Minamino and Divock Origi are Klopp’s other options.
The champions were boosted by the return to training of captain Jordan Henderson on Friday. The England midfielder had missed the last three games due to a thigh problem, but was able to take part in a session at Melwood and has a chance of being included in the 18-man squad on Sunday.
Joel Matip, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Kostas Tsimikas will miss the game, along with Thiago and Mane.
