Liverpool close training ground as COVID crisis deepens | OneFootball

Liverpool’s COVID-19 outbreak continues with the announcement that assistant manager Pepjin Lijnders has now returned a suspected positive test, leading to the closure of the club’s training ground.

Lijnders was on the sideline as Liverpool drew with Chelsea at the weekend with head coach Jürgen Klopp in isolation.

The club have already appealed to have Thursday night’s EFL Cup semi-final against Arsenal postponed on the grounds that they are struggling to field a team. That request is currently being reviewed.

The Dutchman returned the positive test on Tuesday night and has now entered self-isolation after charge of Liverpool against Chelsea on Sunday in the absence of Jürgen Klopp, who is also isolating after testing positive for COVID-19.

Liverpool have also now been forced to close their training facilities at Kirkby due to a ‘rapidly growing number of suspected cases’ and it will remain so for at least 48 hours.

It also puts Liverpool’s weekend fixture with Shrewsbury in the FA Cup in doubt, while the club await a decision on Thursday’s meeting with Arsenal.