EFL respond to Liverpool's request to postpone Carabao Cup semi-final vs Arsenal

The English Football League (EFL) has said it is considering Liverpool's request to postpone their Carabao Cup clash with Arsenal.

The Reds have made a request to have the semi-final, first leg match at the Emirates called off in the wake of a number of positive Covid-19 tests within the camp.

The match is due to take place on Thursday, January 6 at 7.45pm.

It is understood the members of Jurgen Klopp's backroom staff unaffected by Covid-19 decided to cancel training on late Tuesday afternoon, after the third separate outbreak at the club.

An EFL Spokesperson said: "The League has this evening received a request from Liverpool FC to postpone Thursday's Carabao Cup semi-final first leg versus Arsenal FC 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.

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"We will look to confirm the League's position as soon as possible once the circumstances have been fully reviewed."

In a statement of their own, Liverpool said: "The Reds have formally requested to the EFL that the fixture is rescheduled after further suspected positive tests were registered among players and staff, allied to other factors impacting selection, including illness and injury.

"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.

"With no prospect of the current situation improving ahead of Thursday's fixture and the potential for it to worsen, the club considers it both prudent and reasonable to ask for the fixture to be rescheduled.

"Liverpool FC will offer a further update on the application process, as well as the resumption of training, in due course."

Liverpool had nine players ruled out of their weekend visit to Chelsea through Covid isolations, injury and suspension, and subsequently had Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Naby Keita all depart for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Andy Robertson is back from suspension, but it is understood those players who were isolating - Roberto Firmino, Alisson and Joel Matip - will not be cleared to return in time for Thursday.

Klopp himself is also due to be absent as he continues his isolation period, as are three of his backroom staff, and any further Covid-related absences would leaves the Reds close to being unable to send out a team.

The other EFL Cup semi-final sees London rivals Chelsea and Tottenham play each other.

They are set to meet on Wednesday at Stamford Bridge, with Spurs boss Antonio Conte admitting to fresh concerns within their camp.

Spurs were hit badly by an outbreak last month and ahead of a return to his old club, the Italian said: "We are checking a couple of situations about Covid. We are not 100 per cent sure they will miss the game.

"We have to check and also during the day, if there are new positives or not."