Thiago Alcantara Absence Due to Positive Coronavirus Test

Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Liverpool’s midfield star chose to make his diagnosis public and hopes to return following the international break.

In the lead in to Monday’s Premier League match at Anfield against Arsenal, fans knew that new midfield signing Thiago Alcantara and star goalkeeper Alisson Becker might miss the game due to injury, though at the time any specifics were not revealed.

In the end, Alisson was able to play and Thaigo was not. Today we know why as the player has chosen to make public a positive test for COVID-19. He will spend at least the next two weeks in isolation, potentially returning to action after the international break.

“It is the choice of each individual whether they reveal publicly the outcome of a COVID-19 test,” read a statement from club doctor Jim Moxon. “Thiago is [currently] okay. He will be self-isolating now as per the guidelines and hopefully he’ll be back with us soon.”

Following a positive test late last week, Thiago went into isolation and a second test was performed. When that test also came back positive, it was certain he would miss Arsenal as well as the mid-week cup tie and game against Aston Villa on the weekend.

A best case scenario, with Thiago either asymptomatic or suffering a mild case of the virus, would allow him to return for the derby against Everton on October 17th.

Source: liverpooloffside.sbnation.com