Trouble at Anfield as Liverpool confirm close of training ground ahead of Arsenal clash

• Liverpool close training ground ahead of Arsenal clash in the Carabao Cup after more Covid outbreak in the team
• Assistant manager Pep Lijnders has also returned a positive test leaving Liverpool without their coach and assistant after Jurgen Klopp had tested positive earlier
• The Reds have already requested that Thursday’s Carabao Cup semi-final against Arsenal be postponed

Liverpool’s Carabao semi-final fixture against Arsenal on Thursday, January 6, seems to be under threat as the Anfield club has been ravaged by rising Covid cases forcing the club’s training base to be shut down.

The Reds have seen cases of positive Covid cases on the rise with both managerial and playing staff all contracting the virus with the latest being assistant manager Pep Lijnders.

Jurgen Klopp, Roberto Firminho and Fabinho have all returned a positive PCR test result in the past week and all were excluded in the Red’s trip to Chelsea last Sunday with Liverpool securing an entertaining 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.

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With the recent increase in Covid cases, The Mirror now reports Liverpool have confirmed they have temporarily closed their AXA Training Centre due to a “rapidly growing” number of positive Covid-19 cases.

“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” A statement on the club’s official site reads.

The Anfield club has now applied for their Carabao Cup semi-final against Arsenal be postponed but The Independent reports that the decision on postponement of Thursday’s first leg at the Emirates remains pending.

EFL have yet to decide whether to cancel the semi-final with the Gunners, with the request lodged on the grounds of player availability.

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Earlier Sportsbrief reported Arsenal are ready to listen to offers for their striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, after the Gabon international was stripped off captaincy.

Aubameyang has not featured for his side in any competition since December 6, and the Gunners have been impressive in his absence, winning five out of their last six games and scoring 20 goals.

The 32-year old is currently with Gabon preparing for the Africa Cup of nations and was sidelined by his club over a disciplinary issue in December.