Liverpool in fresh Covid scare after Ings positive

LIVERPOOL have been handed a fresh Covid-19 concern just days before their top-of-the-table clash with United at Anfield.

Southampton striker Danny Ings has tested positive for the virus after playing against Jurgen’s Klopp men.

And Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has revealed the player may have been contagious while playing in the game.

The Saints forward, who used to play for Liverpool, will miss this weekend’s match against Leicester City as he self-isolates. He scored the winner in a 1-0 victory over Liverpool at St Mary’s on January 4.

Said Hasenhuttl: “Danny Ings is out now. He is in self-isolation. This is not good. He may have been contagious against Liverpool but we have had no other positives since.”

Liverpool have not reported any positive tests and all players, apart from the injured Joel Matip and Naby Keita, were present at training on Wednesday ahead of Sunday’s game against United.

Doctors have previously confirmed the risk of catching the virus from opposition players is low, due to the belief infection is most likely spread through contact of around 15 minutes or more, whilst analysis of previous matches have shown there to be an average of less than five minutes of contact.

Yet the recent development of a new, more contagious strain of the virus has increased fears it may be more easily spread through football.

UNITED’S FA Cup fourth round tie with Liverpool at Old Trafford will be held on Sunday, January 24 (5.30pm) and shown live on BBC One.