Liverpool request semi-final against Arsenal is postponed after increase in positive Covid cases

Liverpool have requested the postponement of their Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Arsenal on Thursday due to an increase in the number of positive Covid-19 cases at the club. 

Jurgen Klopp’s side were due to travel to the capital to face Mikel Arteta’s Gunners on Thursday in the second semi-final, but have made an official request to the English Football League.

The Reds recently had their Premier League fixture against Leeds United postponed due to a number of cases in the Whites’ camp, while other clubs have had requests for postponement rebuffed despite outbreaks.

A club statement read “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.”

Klopp would likely have missed the match anyway after returning a positive Covid-19 test over the weekend

“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 postponed.

“Liverpool FC will offer a further update on the application process, as well as the resumption of training, in due course.”

In response, an EFL spokesperson said that the request “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.”

Liverpool’s next two games are home fixtures against Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup on Sunday, and the second leg of the semi-final next Thursday.