Alisson, Roberto Firmino and Joel Matip: Liverpool trio miss Chelsea match after suspected positive Covid tests

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was also missing from dugout after registering a suspected positive Covid test; Twenty-three-year-old goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher deputised for Alisson while Ibrahima Konate replaced Joel Matip in defence

Sunday 2 January 2022 18:31, UK

Alisson, Roberto Firmino and Joel Matip were ruled out of Liverpool’s Premier League match at Chelsea, live on Sky Sports, after returning suspected positive Covid tests.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp also missed Sunday's match against Chelsea after registering a suspected positive Covid test.

The rest of the squad have all subsequently returned negative Covid tests.

Twenty-three-year-old goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher deputised for Alisson in goal, making his second Premier League start of the season.

Ibrahima Konate came in at centre-back in place of Matip, who started in Liverpool's 1-0 defeat at Leicester in the league last time out, partnering Virgil van Dijk.

Firmino's absence did not change Liverpool's front three, with Diogo Jota, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane all starting. The Brazil international has not started a league game for the Reds since the 2-2 home draw against Brighton on October 30.

It was a landmark day for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who becomes the fourth-youngest Liverpool player to reach 200 appearances for the club in all competitions.

Meanwhile, Sunday's fixture at Stamford Bridge brought up a ton of Premier League appearances for Fabinho, who lines up alongside Jordan Henderson and James Milner in midfield.

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