LONDON, Jan 1 ― 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.
“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 are ninth with 26 points from 16 games. ― Reuters
