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The Omicron variant of COVID-19 is spreading at an express pace globally and once again has started to affect the sports calendar. The EFL Cup, currently known as the Carabao Cup is in the final stage with the semifinals on cards. However, a few positive COVID-19 cases have started posing a threat and the commencement of the remaining matches looks doubtful.
In the same light of events, Liverpool FC on Tuesday confirmed that an application has been submitted for the postponement of Thursday's Carabao Cup semi-final clash, first-leg tie with Arsenal due to an escalating number of suspected positive COVID-19 cases and player availability.
"The Reds have formally requested to the EFL that the fixture is rescheduled after further suspected positive tests were registered among players and staff, allied to other factors impacting selection, including illness and injury," stated an official release. In response, the club halted preparations at the AXA Training Centre, meaning Tuesday's first-team training session was cancelled.
Traveling supporters also a reason for application: Club Statement
The club also revealed the reason for their application to the EFL. "Among the considerations which led to today’s application to the EFL is the need for traveling supporters to be given as much notice as possible of any potential postponement," it wrote in the release.
The decision was taken after there was no prospect of the current situation improving ahead of Thursday's fixture and the potential for it to worsen. Earlier, Jurgen Klopp missed Liverpool's Premier League meeting with Chelsea on Sunday after returning a suspected positive COVID-19 test result. The Reds manager, who had reported mild symptoms ahead of the fixture, was then isolating himself.
Tottenham Hotspur set up against Chelsea FC in another semifinal
Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea FC are the two other teams to have made it to the semifinal of the Carabao Cup. The two teams are slated to play each other on 10 January while Liverpool and Arsenal have to play on 3 January. The Final will be played on 27 February.