Thiago Alcantara and Jordan Henderson were both ruled out of Liverpool's Premier League match against Tottenham.
Tyler Morton was a surprise starter for Jurgen Klopp, who made three changes from the side that beat Newcastle United at Anfield in midweek.
After Thiago returned a'suspected' positive Covid-19 test and Henderson was ruled out due to illness, Morton, 19, is joined in midfield by James Milner and Naby Keita.
'Thiago Alcantara will miss this afternoon's match against Tottenham Hotspur after registering a suspected positive test for COVID-19,' the Premier League club said in a statement.
'The midfielder is currently resting and will not play in the match in London.'
Jordan Henderson is also unable to play due to illness. Despite having a negative Covid-19 test, the captain has been withdrawn from selection due to illness.
'On Saturday and this morning, all of the Reds' first-team squad and staff were tested for Covid-19, with no further positive cases detected, including Henderson.'
Tottenham hasn't played in two weeks due to Covid-19 postponements, while Liverpool played on Thursday night.
Dele Alli makes his Premier League debut under Antonio Conte, while Tanguy Ndombele and Harry Winks are also in the starting lineup.
Liverpool are currently in second place in the Premier League, four points behind defending champions Manchester City, ahead of their match against Spurs, who are currently in seventh place.
'One more positive case – Thiago has coronavirus,' Liverpool manager Klopp said of his team selection. We had to send Hendo home because he was here with us. He's the only one with symptoms, but it's not COVID; he's just got a cold.' Fresh legs in the engine room – I'm pleased with the team today – we knew Hendo had a cold the day before, so we played a little with Tyler, who was excellent.' We can't expect Tyler to play like Fabinho right now – he's a defensive midfield wizard – so we'll have to work together to close the gaps so Tyler isn't alone. I expect a good football game from Naby, a brilliant footballer with fresh legs.'
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