Arsenal vs Liverpool: Carabao Cup semi-final tie postponed due to Covid-19

The latest round of testing on Tuesday returned a significant number of positive cases, according to a Liverpool statement.

Liverpool players celebrate a goal in a file photo; Credit: Twitter/@LFC
By Karthik Raman | Jan 5, 2022 | 2 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

In a big blow to football enthusiasts, Liverpool‘s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at Arsenal on Thursday has been postponed to a late date. The latest development comes after the EFL accepted a request from Liverpool following cases of Covid-19 within their squad. Earlier on Wednesday, the Reds announced that their training ground would be closed for at least 48 hours and also that manager Jurgen Klopp’s assistant, Pep Lijnders, had tested positive. Lijnders was supposed to lead the team since Klopp is already in isolation. The latest round of testing on Tuesday returned a significant number of positive cases, according to a Liverpool statement.

EFL statement

On Wednesday, an EFL statement informed that the rearranged tie will now take place on January 20 (Thursday) and it will instead be treated as the second leg semi-final. “The EFL has been in regular dialogue with the club over the past 48 hours in an attempt to understand whether the tie could proceed but significant developments over this period have resulted in the club reporting an ever-increasing number of COVID cases,” a statement read.

“Having now fully reviewed the circumstances involved, the League has accepted Liverpool’s request after determining, albeit reluctantly, that a postponement was the only option as the club looks to mitigate against the further risk of infection amongst its squad and staff alongside ensuring public health was protected by not travelling from Liverpool to London.

“As a result of the postponement the order of the ties has now changed with the first of the two legs to take place at Anfield on 13 January 2022 at 7.45pm. The rearranged game (now the 2nd leg) is scheduled to be played at the Emirates on 20 January 2022 at 7.45pm.”

Liverpool statement

In a statement, Liverpool said: “The latest round of testing on Tuesday returned a significant number of positives, including Pepijn Lijnders, who was due to take charge of the Reds at Emirates Stadium. The outbreak has left Liverpool without a sufficient number of players and staff to fulfil the contest as originally scheduled.”

“Tickets purchased for this match will remain valid for the new fixture date. The club will email all supporters who have purchased a ticket with details on refunds for those unable to attend the rescheduled date.

“Liverpool Football Club would like to place on record its thanks to the EFL and Arsenal for their understanding, as well as supporters of both clubs, as we continue to navigate through this challenging period.”





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