Liverpool will be without Joel Matip, Roberto Firmino and Alisson Becker after the trio returned suspected positive COVID-19 tests, while Chelsea have dropped unsettled striker Romelu Lukaku for the crucial Premier League tie on Sunday.

“The trio will play no part in the fixture at Stamford Bridge and are now isolating. All other members of the Reds’ playing squad have subsequently been tested and received negative results,” Liverpool said in a statement.

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Liverpool and Chelsea have both been rocked with issues ahead of the clash at Stamford Bridge as they chase Manchester City, who established an 11-point lead in the title race.

Liverpool’s COVID report follows manager Jurgen Klopp’s suspected positive test on Saturday, which meant the German will not be at the touchline against Chelsea. His assistant Pep Lijnders will be in charge at Stamford Bridge. 

The Reds have been without the services of Virgil van Dijk, Thiago Alcantara, Fabinho and Curtis Jones in recent weeks after they tested positive for COVID. The quartet returned to training earlier this week. 

Meanwhile, Chelsea’s Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku made headlines earlier this week, when he made it clear in an explosive interview with Sky Italy that he is “not happy” with his situation at the club. 

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“Physically I am fine. But I am not happy with the situation at Chelsea. Tuchel has chosen to play with another system. I won’t give up. I will be professional. I am not happy with the situation but I am professional and I can’t give up now,” the £97.5 million summer signing from Inter said. 

The comments drew sharp reaction from manager Thomas Tuchel, who said, “We don’t like it, of course. It brings noise that we don’t need and it’s not helpful.”

Liverpool are third in the Premier League table with 41 points from 19 games, one shy of second-placed Chelsea with a game in hand. 

The Reds’ title hopes took a big blow with a shock 1-0 loss to Leicester City on Tuesday. They drew at Spurs the week before that, while City pulled away from the chasing pack with their 11th consecutive win, winning 2-1 at Arsenal on Saturday.