Liverpool’s Carabao Cup semis clash vs Arsenal postponed due to Covid-19

London, Jan 5 (EFE).- The first leg of the Carabao Cup semifinal pitting Liverpool against Arsenal has been postponed due to a coronavirus outbreak at the Reds, the English Football League said in a statement on Wednesday.

The Reds have had to temporarily shut down their first-team training facilities due to “a rapidly growing number of suspected positive Covid-19 cases” the club said on Wednesday.

Assistant coach Pepijn Lijnders tested positive for the coronavirus, adding to a list of infections that includes manager Jürgen Klopp.

In their 2-2 Premier League draw against Chelsea on Sunday, Liverpool had to do without Alisson Becker, Robert Firmino and Joel Matip who had tested positive for the coronavirus.

“The outbreak has left Liverpool without a sufficient number of players and staff to fulfill the contest as originally scheduled,” Liverpool said in a statement, requesting for the game to be rescheduled.

The EFL has approved the request, pushing the two-leg tie for January 13, 20.

“Liverpool Football Club would like to place on record its thanks to the EFL and Arsenal for their understanding, as well as supporters of both clubs, as we continue to navigate through this challenging period,” the Reds’ statement read.

The other semifinals encounter between Chelsea and Tottenham is scheduled to take place later in the day. EFE

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