Liverpool ask for Arsenal postponement as Covid outbreak causes more complications
Posted Wednesday, January 05, 2022 by Dailystar.co.uk
Following a recent outbreak of Covid-19 within the Liverpool squad which has gotten worse, the Carabao Cup semi-final fixture against Arsenal on Thursday could be postponed
Liverpool want their Carabao Cup semi-final with Arsenal postponed after a Covid outbreak at the club.
The Reds have confirmed that they’ve formally requested that the EFL delay the first leg of the last-four tie which is due to take place on Thursday because of further coronavirus cases and other player availability issues.
The Merseysiders revealed last week goalkeeper Alisson, defender Joel Matip and striker Roberto Firmino returned suspected positive tests and they sat out Sunday's 2-2 draw with Chelsea. They are all still in isolation.
While manager Jurgen Klopp and other backroom staff tested positive for the virus and the German also missed the trip to Stamford Bridge.
There are now further cases at the club, with training cancelled on Tuesday.
Liverpool statement 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.
Jurgen Klopp missed Liverpool's trip to Stamford Bridge on Sunday after testing positive for Covid-19 (Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
"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."
The club's Kirkby training base remains open, though. But Liverpool also have players unavailable through illness and injury.
Thiago Alcantara, Divock Origi and Takumi Minamino are currently out while Harvey Elliott is a long-term absentee.
It remains to be seen if the EFL will grant a postponement. Discussions are ongoing.
Mohamed Salah is now away at AFCON
Liverpool are also now without Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Naby Keita as they have jetted off to the Africa Cup of Nations.
But it is not clear if these absentees can be considered as they were planned departures for the month of January.
The Reds face Arsenal in the first leg of their Carabao Cup at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday.
They are then due to host League One Shrewsbury in the FA Cup third round at Anield on Sunday.
A postponement of either would cause significant scheduling issues.
Chelsea face Tottenham in the first leg of their semi-final today [WEDNESDAY] with both second legs due to be played next week.
But any delay could leave a fixture headache for the Premier League, EFL, Liverpool and Arsenal to sort.
Meanwhile, Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold insists the Reds can’t wave the white flag in the Premier League title race just yet.
A recent outbreak of Covid-19 in the Liverpool camp has put Thursday's game against Arsenal in jeopardy
He urged his side to ensure they’re ready to strike should runaway leaders Manchester City stumble.
Liverpool trail Pep Guardiola’s men by 11 points but do have a game in hand over the reigning champions. But City have looked in unbeatable form lately with just two defeats and two draws from 21 games this season.
Alexander-Arnold said: “There’s not really much we can do except try to win as many games as we can between now and the end of the season.
"We are just past the halfway point so a lot can happen between now and May.
"We make sure we focus on ourselves, make sure we stay as close to them as we can, but it will be difficult and we need teams to beat them for us.
"But it’s about us making sure we are in a position to capitalise if they do drop points.”
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