Covid-hit Reds ask to delay semi
LIVERPOOL have made a request to postpone the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final at Arsenal tomorrow after suffering another Covid outbreak.
Though they did not need to completely close down their training base in Kirkby yesterday, there was enough concern over possible new Covid cases among players and staff that they abandoned plans for a scheduled 4pm session.
Jurgen Klopp, who tested positive at the weekend, is isolating, along with three other members of staff plus key players Joel Matip, Roberto Firmino and goalkeeper Alisson. They all missed the 2-2 draw at Chelsea on Sunday and would not be fit to face Arsenal.
The squad is already stretched, with Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Naby Keita on Africa Cup of Nations duty, and Thiago Alcantara, Takumi Minamino, Harvey Elliott and Divock Origi injured.
There was speculation yesterday that new Covid cases accounted for all of Liverpool’s other goalkeepers, a group that includes Caoimhin Kelleher, Adrian, Vitezslav Jaros, Marcelo Pitaluga and forgotten man Loris Karius.
The club would not comment on the identity of the new cases but if they were left without a goalkeeper, there would be no way the game could be staged in 24 hours. It would also cast doubts on Sunday’s FA Cup third round tie against Shrewsbury.
With the situation around testing being so unpredictable — Klopp said last week it feels like a lottery each day when players arrive at the training ground — more positive results would leave the EFL with no option but to postpone.
In a statement, Liverpool said: ‘Among the considerations which led to the application to the EFL is the need for travelling supporters to be given as much notice as possible of any postponement.
‘With no prospect of the current situation improving ahead of Thursday’s fixture and the potential for it to worsen, the club consider it both prudent and reasonable to ask for the fixture to be rescheduled.’
It is expected that if a club have 14 players available, including a goalkeeper, a fixture must go ahead.
Liverpool’s decision to apply for a postponement is a last resort, as there are very few openings in the calendar and not many places to make a switch.
This is the first time they have asked for one of their games to be delayed, though they did see their Boxing Day clash postponed owing to Leeds being unable to field a team due to Covid and injury issues. The final decision on tomorrow’s game rests with the EFL.