Liverpool’s EFL Cup semi-final tie with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday has been postponed following a request from the Reds. Liverpool are one of several Premier League clubs to have been adversely affected by the surge in new COVID-19 cases, and a slew of new cases have been reported at the Reds’ camp.

Earlier in the weekend, club manager Jurgen Klopp missed Liverpool’s trip to Chelsea that produced an exhilarating 2-2 draw. Apart from their talismanic manager, the Reds also missed the likes of goalkeeper Alisson Becker, striker Roberto Firmino, and defender Joel Matip against Chelsea due to suspected COVID-19 cases.

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Klopp was set to miss Liverpool’s trip to the Emirates on Thursday too, and it had fallen to first team coach Pepijn Lijnders to lead the Reds in the German’s absence. While Lijnders did so against Chelsea, he tested positive for COVID-19 in the latest round of testing on Tuesday. Liverpool also said that the latest round of testing “returned a significant number of positives” but the club has not revealed the number of positive tests or the names of those who have tested positive.

In a statement, the Merseyside club said, “Liverpool Football Club would like to place on record its thanks to the EFL and Arsenal for their understanding, as well as supporters of both clubs, as we continue to navigate through this challenging period.”

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As it stands, the EFL Cup semi-final’s first leg will now be held at Anfield next Thursday, January 13, while the second leg of the tie will be played at the Emirates Stadium a week later, on January 20.

Liverpool have told fans that tickets purchased for the semi-final tie will remain valid for Liverpool’s second leg tie against Arsenal at the Emirates, and those who will not be able to attend the rescheduled fixture can apply for refunds.