Liverpool have formally requested to have tomorrow’s (Thursday) Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at Arsenal postponed after further cases of Covid-19 within the squad that forced the cancellation of training yesterday on Tuesday.
Liverpool proposals postponement Arsenal match
Liverpool played Sunday's 2-2 draw at Chelsea without manager Jurgen Klopp and three players, namely Alisson Becker, Roberto Firmino and Joel Matip after they all tested positive. Now further testing has found more cases in the squad, forcing the cancellation of yesterday’s training session.
The request was submitted after the latest round of testing found more cases within the first-team days after manager Jurgen Klopp and three players were forced to miss Sunday's 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.
"The Reds have formally requested to the EFL that the fixture is rescheduled after further suspected positive tests were registered among players and staff, allied to other factors impacting selection, including illness and injury.” said club statement.
In response, the club stopped preparations at the AXA Training Centre, meaning the first-team training session was cancelled yesterday.
"Among the considerations which led to today's application to the EFL is the need for travelling supporters to be given as much notice as possible of any potential postponement." Said club statement.
Liverpool were without a total of nine players for the match at Chelsea through illness and injury, and have subsequently lost Mohamed Salah, Naby Keita and Sadio Mane to Africa Cup of Nations duty.
The request for a postponement will also raise a question over Sunday's FA Cup third-round tie at home to Shrewsbury.
The return leg of the semi-final at Anfield is scheduled for January 13.
An EFL spokesperson said, "The league has this evening received a request from Liverpool to postpone Thursday's Carabao Cup semi-final first leg versus Arsenal, which will now be considered in accordance with the competition rules as set out at the start of the season alongside information submitted by the club.
"We will look to confirm the league's position as soon as possible once the circumstances have been fully reviewed."
Story Courtesy; Sky Sports
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