Southampton coach cleared to end isolation ahead of Liverpool clash

Southampton's head coach Ralph Hasenhuettl will return to the sidelines in the Premier League clash against Liverpool after completing home isolation period.

Ralph Hasenhuettl's Southampton is currently ninth in the Premier League standings.

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuettl has been cleared to return to the dugout for Monday's game at home against Liverpool after completing a period of self-isolation, the Premier League club said.

He isolated following a positive COVID-19 test in his household and the 53-year-old took charge of Tuesday's 0-0 draw with West Ham United via video link.

Hasenhuettl's wife had tested positive on December 28, Southampton said in a statement, but the result was examined and flagged as a potential false positive. Each member of the Austrian's household was then tested twice and all of the results came back negative.

 

"We are confident that the original test was a false positive and Ralph has been cleared to return to Staplewood and take training from January 1," Southampton said.

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"The club would like to make clear that we fully support the protocols and regulations that led to Ralph self-isolating and view them as vital in keeping everyone involved in our club, our community and our game in a safe environment."

Southampton is ninth with 26 points from 16 games.