Setback for Liverpool As $35M Midfielder, Who Missed Arsenal Clash, Tests COVID-19 Positive

Liverpool FC announced Tuesday that their new signing, Thiago Alcantara is currently in self-isolation after he tested positive for COVID-19.

Alcantara, who moved from Bayern Munich to Liverpool for $35 million, made a sensational debut during The Reds’ Premier League clash against Chelsea earlier this month. He missed Liverpool’s League Cup match against Lincoln City last week and when there were speculations about him starting against Arsenal at home, Monday, Alcantara was not even on the bench.

While Liverpool clinched a comprehensive 3-1 victory over the Gunners, the Premier League champions soon broke the news about Alcantara’s health issue.

In an official statement, Liverpool said that Alcantara has shown minor symptoms of the virus, but is in good health and is getting better. "The club has, and will continue to follow, all protocols relating to COVID-19 and Thiago will remain in self-isolation for the required period of time," read Liverpool’s statement.

Liverpool’s first-team doctor, Dr. Jim Moxon also has reassured that the 29-year-old Alcantara is doing fine. "It is the choice of each individual whether they reveal publicly the outcome of a Covid-19 test. We have followed all the protocols to the letter and Thiago is OK. He will be self-isolating now as per the guidelines and hopefully, he'll be back with us soon," Moxon, who was quoted in the club statement, added.

Earlier, it was reported that at least 10 people had tested positive for coronavirus in the latest round of testing conducted by the Premier League -- the highest number of positive tests since the 2020-21 season began.

Liverpool will be next in action Thursday when they take on Arsenal, this time in the League Cup. The Reds had a memorable outing in the third-round of the tournament, where Jurgen Klopp’s young side thrashed Lincoln City 7-2. Their next Premier League fixture is on Sunday -- an away match against Aston Villa.