The EFL calls off Arsenal vs Liverpool Carabao Cup semi-final fixture due to a Covid outbreak in the Reds’ camp which left Jurgen Klopp’s side unable to field a team.
Arsenal’s Carabao Cup semi-final clash against Liverpool on Thursday has been postponed following a Covid-19 outbreak in the Reds camp.
Liverpool were set to face the Gunners in the first leg of the cup tie at the Emirates but were struck with several Covid cases this week and subsequently called off training on Tuesday.
After playing Chelsea without manager Jurgen Klopp, Alisson Becker, Roberto Firmino and Joel Matip due to the virus, more first-team personnel tested positive which led the Reds to formally request a postponement.
And the EFL have now confirmed they have accepted Liverpool’s request to call off the fixture, which will now be played at a later date.
The first leg will no longer take place this Thursday and will instead be moved to Thursday January 13.
The reverse fixture will be played on Thursday January 20.
The EFL, who run the Carabao Cup, insist that games can be postponed if a team cannot submit a squad of 13 outfield players and at least one goalkeeper.
Along with the coronavirus outbreak, Liverpool’s squad looks shabby with stars Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Naby Keita leaving for Africa Cup of Nations duty.
Their FA Cup third-round tie against Shrewsbury is meant to be played on Sunday.
And the second leg of the Carabao Cup fixture against Arsenal was scheduled to take place next Thursday.
The Gunners faced a Covid-19 outbreak scare themselves last week as manager Mikel Arteta and striker Eddie Nketiah tested positive and missed the home defeat to Manchester City.
Do you think Liverpool could have been forced to play with reserves? Let us know in the comment section.
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