Covid and AFCON-depleted Liverpool ask EFL to postpone Carabao Cup vs Arsenal

January 5 – Liverpool have made a formal request to postpone Thursday’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at Arsenal after being hit by yet more Covid-19 cases.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp missed Sunday’s Premier League draw at Chelsea following a suspected positive test.

Three of his players – Alisson, Joel Matip and Roberto Firmino – also missed the game along with  three other members of staff.

The Reds’ squad has been further stretched by the departure of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Naby Keita for the Africa Cup of Nations.

A Liverpool statement said: “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.”

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