[ad_1]
Liverpool confirmed the news on Friday night after the Senegalese international decided to go public with the news, having been absent from training before the weekend.
The reigning Premier League champions said Mane has been suffering from “minor symptoms” and has stayed away from the rest of the team, which is preparing for Sunday’s trip to Villa Park.
A statement from the club read: “Sadio Mane has tested positive for Covid-19 and is currently self-isolating according to necessary guidelines.
“The forward, who started and scored in Monday’s 3-1 win over Arsenal, has shown minor symptoms of the virus, but is feeling good overall.
“However, as with Thiago Alcantara, Liverpool Football Club follows, and will continue to comply, all protocols related to Covid-19 and Mane will self-isolate for the required period of time.”
The 28-year-old was not involved in Thursday’s Carabao Cup defeat against Arsenal, although he did begin Monday’s Premier League win over the same team where he helped Jurgen Klopp’s side fight back with a goal behind , and leaves German coach Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Diogo Jota, Divock Origi and Takumi Minamino to select his attack from the three forwards.
Klopp will be sweating over the pair’s availability for Liverpool’s next game after the next international break, and the Reds will face Everton in the first Merseyside derby of the season on 17 October.
Both Thiago and Mane have enough time to complete their period of isolation before the derby, although they will have to post two negative test results before they are allowed to return to the squad, although they will not have much time to prove their aptitude to Klopp.
His forced isolation will also affect his international commitments after Mane was named to Senegal’s team for their upcoming friendlies against Morocco and Mauritania.
