Liverpool have formally asked for the postponement of their upcoming Carabao Semi-final first leg match against Arsenal on Thursday night as concerns over further Covid cases has hindered their preparation and their training was imminently cancelled today.
We can confirm an application has been submitted for the postponement of Thursday’s Carabao Cup semi-final, first-leg tie with Arsenal due to an escalating number of suspected positive COVID-19 cases and player availability.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 4, 2022
The EFL are now said to be currently (studying information) looking at Liverpool’s request to postpone Thursday’s semi-final first leg encounter. As it stands, EFL still needs to establish and clearly split between Covid cases, injuries and AFCON absentees.
The @EFL has this evening received a request from @LFC to postpone Thursday’s @Carabao_Cup Semi-Final first leg versus @Arsenal which 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.
— EFL Communications (@EFL_Comms) January 4, 2022
With the rumours of more Covid cases at Liverpool’s training ground, Thursday’s game in the Carabao Cup could be in doubt, as Liverpool have already 12 players out due to injuries, AFCON & Covid.
It needs to be emphasized that these are escalated numbers of “suspected” – not the actual amount. Three cases were reported on Sunday and with the latest revelation, there could be more cases now.
If the postponement is granted by the EFL and a later date is picked, Liverpool will almost likely have Firmino, Alisson and Matip available to play in the rearranged fixture, which will be a huge boost in their quest to qualify for the Carabao Cup Final.
The rules say they can request to postpone. It’s within their rights. Can Liverpool get a postponement ‘due to an escalating number of suspected positive COVID-19 cases and player availability?’