Liverpool application to cancel Cup semifinal against Arsenal

Liverpool has officially demanded the postponement of Thursday's first Carabao Cup semifinal match against Arsenal due to a further explosion of COVID-19 cases in the club's training complex, which led to the annulment of the first team training Tuesday.

With manager Jurgen Klopp and three junior players -- Aliceson Becker, Roberto Firmino and Joel Matip -- still in solitary confinement after missing Sunday's match at Premier League v. Chelsea's Premier -- due to the positive results of the COVID-19 test, other cases combined with injury problems have forced the club to speak to the English Football League (EFL) in an effort to ensure Thursday's match in Emira.

In addition to problems with disease and injury, Liverpool is also without Mohammed Salah, Sadio Mane and Naby Keita, all now reported on international duty with the respective countries at the Africa Cup in Cameroon.

There are several open opportunities for the EFL in connection with a postponement, including the possibility of re-organising the first match at a later date or reducing the semifinals to a single match instead of playing in two matches.

Liverpool has applied for the postponement of the match with Arsenal and is now awaiting an EFL response.

Liverpool will host the second semifinal match in Anfield on January 13th.