Liverpool have requested that Thursday’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Arsenal be postponed. The clash between the two Premier League heavyweights was due to be played at The Emirates; however, the game is now in doubt due to the request. It is believed that the request came following suspected Covid-19 positive tests, illness and injuries. It would be another Liverpool postponement after their Premier League match against Leeds United was called off on Boxing Day.
Liverpool Postponement of Carabao Cup Tie Requested
Training Session Cancelled
Tuesday afternoon’s scheduled training session at Liverpool’s training ground was cancelled due to a further outbreak of Covid-19. Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is currently in isolation and missed Sunday’s thrilling draw at Chelsea. Three other members of staff have also been missing of late as have several first-team players, including Joel Matip, Alisson Becker and Roberto Firmino.
Many Missing With Injury and Away on International Duty
It is not only Covid that Liverpool are currently dealing with. Injuries have been mounting with Harvey Elliott, Thiago Alcantara, Divock Origi and Takumi Minaminoand set to miss the cup tie. The African Cup of Nations has also robbed them of three key players in Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Naby Keita.
Club Statement
In a club statement via their official website liverpoolfc.com, the Premier League giants said: “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.
“In response, the club halted preparations at the AXA Training Centre, meaning Tuesday’s first-team training session was cancelled.
“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.
“With no prospect of the current situation improving ahead of Thursday’s fixture and the potential for it to worsen, the club considers it both prudent and reasonable to ask for the fixture to be rescheduled.
“Liverpool FC will offer a further update on the application process, as well as the resumption of training, in due course.”
Liverpool Postponement Request of Cup Tie: EFL Response
Following the request by Liverpool, the EFL issued their own statement. It read: “The League has this evening received a request from Liverpool FC to postpone Thursday’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg versus Arsenal FC 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.”
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