The English League Cup semi-final first leg tie between Liverpool and Arsenal, billed for Thursday, has been postponed due to rising COVID-19 cases within Jürgen Klopp’s squad.

The Reds had on Tuesday asked that the match be rearranged, but there have been even more positive tests – including assistant manager Pep Lijnders, since then

Lijnders had been leading the side in the absence of Klopp, who has been isolating since the weekend.

The latest positive tests forced the closure of the first-team training facility for at least 48 hours.

The EFL reluctantly accepted Liverpool’s request and the order of the ties will now be switched.

Next week’s match at Anfield on January 13 will be the first leg, with the second leg taking place at the Emirates Stadium on January 20.

“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.

“This is as the club looks to mitigate against the further risk of infection amongst its squad and staff alongside ensuring public health was protected by not travelling from Liverpool to London,” read the EFL’s statement.

(dpa/NAN)