Liverpool have confirmed they have closed their training ground due to a “rapidly growing” number of positive Covid-19 cases, plunging their EFL Cup semi-final first leg against Arsenal into doubt. On Tuesday, the Premier League side asked for the game to be postponed due to rising absences in their squad.
Boss Jurgen Klopp missed Liverpool’s clash with Chelsea on Sunday after testing positive for the virus.
As did goalkeeper Alisson Becker, defender Joel Matip and forward Roberto Firmino.
Liverpool are now understood to want Thursday’s cup tie with Arsenal pushed back to help them control the outbreak.
Rising positive cases in the squad have led to Wednesday’s training session being cancelled as their plans ahead of Arsenal were thrown into disarray.
JUST IN: Steven Gerrard facing Liverpool transfer fight for former team-mate
They suffered a fresh blow on Wednesday morning after assistant Pep Lijnders, who stood in for Klopp on the touchline during the 2-2 draw with Chelsea, returned a positive test.
The club have now confirmed in a statement that they have decided to shut their AXA Training Centre after consulting the Public Health authority.
The EFL are yet to make a decision over a possible postponement.
Liverpool’s statement read: “Liverpool Football Club can confirm the first-team training facilities at AXA Training Centre have been temporarily closed due to a rapidly growing number of suspected positive COVID-19 cases.
“The Reds acted to suspend operations within the facility today after the latest round of testing revealed multiple new suspected positives. The decision was made after consultation with the relevant Public Health authority.
COVID-19 has caused havoc to the football schedule over the winter period.
The omicron variant has swept through clubs and a staggering 17 Premier League matches have been postponed.
All those games will need to be rearranged, causing further congestion to the fixture list.
It has been suggested that top-flight fixtures could be played on nights that are usually allocated to the Champions League schedule.
If Liverpool’s game against Arsenal is postponed then it will become the second Reds fixture that will be rescheduled.
Their clash against Leeds on Boxing Day was pushed back due to absences in the Whites’ squad.
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
