Liverpool have been forced to shut down the AXA training centre for 48 hours as their COVID-19 situation worsens.
Reports on Tuesday afternoon threw Liverpool’s Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg against Arsenal on Thursday night into doubt, with more players understood to have tested positive for COVID-19 than was the case pre-Chelsea.
Jurgen Klopp is in self-isolation, with assistant Pepijn Lijnders, who was on the touchline at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, also since having tested positive for the virus, as is reported by Sky Sports.
With the situation seemingly escalating, Liverpool have reportedly been left with no choice but to close the doors to their training ground, the day before they are due to feature in a domestic cup semi-final.
BREAKING: The Carabao Cup semi-final first leg tie between Arsenal and Liverpool has been placed into further doubt.
The Reds have now closed their first-team training centre after further suspected positive Covid-19 cases among players and staff.https://t.co/15nTHRpsPr
— Standard Sport (@standardsport) January 5, 2022
MORE: OFFICIAL request made for Liverpool vs Arsenal postponement with new COVID cases reported
There doesn’t appear to be much chance of the game going ahead, but it remains to be seen what solution will be found, if any, in terms of rescheduling. There is no obvious slot for the fixture to be held.
Arsenal fans will no doubt be keen to see the EFL force Liverpool into playing with a significantly weakened side, but that would damage the integrity of the tournament. We imagine this game will be called off in due course.
