Virgil van Dijk, Fabinho and Curtis Jones test positive for Covid-19

Liverpool trio Virgil van Dijk, Fabinho and Curtis Jones have all tested positive for Covid-19 and will miss their side's clash with Newcastle on Thursday night.

The postponement of games due to positive test results have been coming thick and fast this week, with Brentford vs Manchester United, Burnley vs Watford and Leicester vs Tottenham all being called off.

The upcoming weekend will also see Manchester United vs Brighton, Southampton vs Brentford, Watford vs Crystal Palace and West Ham vs Norwich cancelled, though the Premier League stressed earlier on Thursday that it would continue to adhere to its current schedule "where safely possible".

Liverpool's fixture with Newcastle is still due to go ahead on Thursday, though they will have to make do without Van Dijk, Fabinho and Jones as the club have confirmed they are all isolating.

A statement from Liverpool reads: "Fabinho, Curtis Jones and Virgil van Dijk will miss tonight's Premier League fixture against Newcastle United after registering suspected positive tests for COVID-19.

"The three players are now isolating.

"As a result, the entire Reds’ set-up, including all players and staff, were tested for COVID-19 again today with no further positive cases being detected.

"Supporters attending the game at Anfield are reminded of the new entry requirements and protocols in place to protect public safety."

With Van Dijk ruled out, Joel Matip partners Ibrahima Konate in central defence against the Magpies. The midfield consists of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Thiago and Jordan Henderson, with Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Diogo Jota featuring up front.

While the fast paced nature of the current Covid-19 situation in the Premier League makes it hard to predict anything, Liverpool's game against Tottenham on Sunday may also be in doubt due to the positive tests.

Reds manager Jurgen Klopp has urged people to get vaccinated against coronavirus and recently said it is a "question of solidarity, loyalty and togetherness".

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