Liverpool stars return from Covid-19 self-isolation ahead of Leicester trip

Liverpool were boosted by the return of Virgil van Dijk, Thiago Alcântara, Fabinho and Curtis Jones - all of whom were back training as normal on Monday after spending several days in self-isolation. The four tested positive for Covid-19 earlier this month and sat out two games - the 3-1 win over Newcastle and 2-2 draw away at Spurs.

The news came as a huge relief for Reds manager Jürgen Klopp. "Yeah, the boys who had to isolate, or had Covid, are back. That means Fab, Virgil, Curtis and Thiago," the German told reporters ahead of Tuesday's Premier League trip to Leicester City. "Thiago was the latest, he came back and trained yesterday for the first time with the team. We have one young player who is now isolating and two staff. So it's really tricky, every morning when you come in, it's a little bit like a lottery. You hope it's all fine and then one case, and uh, ok... That's the situation, but apart from that we are fine." There were reports of new Covid-19 cases within the squad but further details have yet to be released.

Klopp: "We wanted to play on Boxing Day"

Liverpool's Boxing Day match at Anfield against Leeds was called off becaue of escalating Covid-19 cases and mounting injuries. Liverpool face Leicester for the second time in a week, after beating them on penalties in the EFL Carabao Cup quarter finals last week. The festive calendar has been particularly tesing for Brendan Rodgers' side, who were beaten 6-3 by Manchester City on Sunday.

"Leicester are not in a perfect situation because they have injuries and I'm not sure but maybe Covid cases. We played them only a few days ago and they were pretty strong in that game" Klopp continued. "And yesterday, when we went out for training it was 4-0 and then I was told it was 4-3. Wow! They were obviously close. They are such a good team and what Brendan (Rodgers) is doing is exceptional. that's why it will be tricky for us."

With players who will be taking part in the upcoming African Cup of Nations allowed to continue playing for their respective clubs up until 3 January, Klopp said he was delighted to have Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané and Naby Keita available for Sunday's trip to Chelsea. "I'm thankful for that and I think it's right. It's good the boys can play this game. After that, they have to go,' Klopp said.

Liverpool sit second in the table with a game in hand, six points behind Manchester City. Leicester meanwhile are 10th on 22 points.