The first leg of the EFL Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Arsenal has been postponed. The reason behind the postponement is due to an outbreak of COVID cases in the Liverpool training camp.

As a result, they have been forced to close their training ground and had to appeal to the EFL to postpone their fixture. Their plea has been heard and accepted by the board, with a later date announced for the fixture.

Semifinal postponed following COVID surge in Liverpool camp

The first leg has been postponed to January 13, and will be played at Anfield. The second leg will be played at the Emirates. The Merseysiders have had to forfeit their home advantage for the second game, and will play the deciding leg away from home.

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“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,” read an EFL statement.

Their manager, Jurgen Klopp, was absent from the sidelines in their most recent Premier League game against Chelsea since he has tested positive for the virus as well. The team will be without key players Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane due to their AFCON duties as well.

The Blues will be playing their first leg of the semi-final against London rivals Tottenham today. The final will be played on 27 February 2022, at Wembley Stadium.