Liverpool forward Sadio Mane is self-isolating after returning a positive test for coronavirus, the club announced on Friday evening.
The Senegal international joins midfielder Thiago Alcantara on the sidelines, with the duo both set to miss Sunday’s clash against Aston Villa due to positive coronavirus tests.
While the duo are expected to be available for the Merseyside derby, after the international break, their participation is still not completely clear as the period of self-isolation sees them miss significant training time.
Liverpool announced Mane is currently self-isolating “according to the necessary guidelines” after displaying “minor symptoms” and testing positive during the players’ routine tests.
Sadio Mane has tested positive for COVID-19 and is currently self-isolating according to the necessary guidelines.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 2, 2020
The club added Mane feels in “good health overall” but will self-isolate for the required period of time.
Writing on Instagram, Mane said: “Hello I´ve been tested positive but I am feeling good and not showing heavy symptoms. I will begin my quarantine and recovery process immediately.
“Make sure that you stay safe and follow all rules to protect yourself and your loved ones to avoid a second wave of the COVID-19 Virus spreading all over the world.
“I will be back stronger than before! We will get through this together.”
Alongside Thiago, Mane joins Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Kostas Tsimikas and Joel Matip on the sidelines for Sunday’s trip to Villa Park, although Jordan Henderson is in contention to make a return.
Mane’s absence gives the likes of Takumi Minamino and Diogo Jota to start from the off, with the latter expected to slot into the front three alongside Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah.
