Liverpool could see their Champions League last 16 tie against RB Leipzig take place at a neutral venue across two legs, in order to comply with coronavirus restrictions.
Liverpool Home Tie with Leipzig Could Be Played Away From Anfield
Both Ties May Take Place at Neutral Venue Due to Travel Restrictions
After the first leg was moved to Budapest, the return fixture, which was due to be played at Anfield on Wednesday, March 10, could suffer a similar fate.
According to Paul Joyce, the fact that Leipzig’s players and staff would have to quarantine on returning to Germany has thrown the location of the second leg into doubt.
Despite a review of German travel restrictions due to take place on Friday, March 5, the Reds are already looking at alternative options to ensure that the second leg can take.
Commenting on their stance over the current situation, UEFA stated: “[We are] in touch with the respective clubs, the English Football Association and the German Football Association.”
Playing Champions League Fixture at Anfield Could Halt Leipzig’s Bundesliga Campaign
Although Liverpool would be keen to play at Anfield, the current laws imposed by the German government mean that Leipzig, as an elite sports team, would not be granted an exemption from having to quarantine, were they to travel to England.
The possible knock-on effect of fixture postponements in the Bundesliga makes this a tricky situation for the German side, who are currently seven points adrift of league leaders Bayern Munich. Having agreed on a neutral venue for the first leg, the two teams may decide it would both in their best interests to stage two legs at neutral venues.
Before their last-16 meeting in the Champions League, Liverpool will look to get back on track in the Premier League, when they travel to high-flying Leicester City following back-to-back home defeats to Brighton and Manchester City.
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