Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders has confirmed that Jurgen Klopp will be absent from the sidelines for a second game in a row when the Reds face Arsenal on Thursday night.

The German missed the 2-2 draw against Chelsea yesterday after picking up the virus and Lijnders says the manager’s self-isolaton period won’t come to an end before the trip to the Emirates:

“No, he can’t [be there] because of quarantine rules. He has mild symptoms. But Jurgen is a very optimistic, positive leader, he’s our leader, our boss. I just hope it stays mild symptoms and that he’s back quick with us.”

It’s difficult to tell how much of an effect Klopp’s absence will have. They produced a decent display without him at Stamford Bridge and Lijnders is very capable of making tactical adjustments.

However, Klopp is more than just a tactician, he is a superb man-manager and that aspect of his coaching will undoubtedly be missed for the Carabao Cup tie later this week.

The Gunners are in good shape, despite their loss to Manchester City at the weekend, so it will be a difficult game to negotiate, especially without Klopp in the dugout.