Liverpool request semi-final postponement

Liverpool played Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Chelsea without manager Jurgen Klopp and three players - Alisson Becker, Roberto Firmino and Joel Matip - after they tested positive; further testing found more cases in the squad, forcing the cancellation of Tuesday’s training session

Liverpool have formally requested to have this week’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at Arsenal postponed after further cases of Covid-19 within the squad forced the cancellation of training on Tuesday.

The request was submitted after the latest round of testing found more cases within the first-team bubble, days after manager Jurgen Klopp and three players - Alisson Becker, Roberto

Firmino and Joel Matip were forced to miss Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Chelsea after testing positive.

A club statement said: “In response, the club halted preparations at the AXA Training Centre, meaning Tuesday’s first-team training session was cancelled.

“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.”

Nine Players

Liverpool were without a total of nine players for the match at Chelsea through illness and injury, and have subsequently lost Mohamed Salah, Naby Keita and Sadio Mane to Africa Cup of Nations duty.

The request for a postponement will also raise a question over Sunday’s FA Cup third-round tie at home to Shrewsbury.

The return leg of the semi-final at Anfield is scheduled for January 13.

An EFL spokesperson said: “The league has this evening received a request from Liverpool 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.

Called off Games

•Brighton vs Tottenham - Sunday, December 12

•Brentford vs Man Utd - Tuesday, December 14

•Burnley vs Watford - Wednesday, December 15

•Leicester vs Tottenham - Thursday, December 16

•Man Utd vs Brighton - Saturday, December 18

•Southampton vs Brentford - Saturday, December 18

•Watford vs Crystal Palace - Saturday, December 18

•West Ham vs Norwich - Saturday, December 18

•Aston Villa vs Burnley - Saturday, December 18

•Everton vs Leicester - Sunday, December 19

•Liverpool vs Leeds - Sunday, December 26

•Wolves vs Watford - Sunday, December 26

•Burnley vs Everton - Sunday, December 26

•Leeds vs Aston Villa - Tuesday, December 28

•Arsenal vs Wolves - Tuesday, December 28

•Everton vs Newcastle - Thursday, December 30

•Southampton vs Newcastle - Sunday, January 2