Liverpool have confirmed that their 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 news comes after the Reds formally submitted an application to have the Carabao Cup clash with Arsenal postponed.
The tie is due to take place on Thursday night at the Emirates. However, the Reds were forced to cancel all training and preparations on Tuesday due to increasing Covid-19 cases.
If the game is to be postponed, it would be the second time Mikel Arteta's men will have seen a match called off in a week after their clash with Wolves was cancelled.
A statement on Liverpoolfc.com read: "The Reds acted to suspend operations within the facility today after the latest round of testing revealed multiple new suspected positives.
"The decision was made after consultation with the relevant Public Health authority.
"The new cases are in addition to those recorded on Monday and Tuesday morning.
"Among the multiple players and staff who tested positive in the latest round was Pepijn Lijnders, resulting in the cancellation of the pre-Arsenal press conference he had been due to host this morning.
"The club has lodged an application with the EFL for the postponement of Thursday’s Carabao Cup semi-final, first-leg tie with the Gunners at Emirates Stadium. The outcome of that submission is currently pending.
"We will offer a further update on the reopening of the training centre in due course."
The EFL responded to Liverpool's postponement request on Tuesday night, saying in a statement that they are considering the proposal.
“The League has this evening received a request from Liverpool FC to postpone Thursday’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg versus Arsenal FC which will now be considered in accordance with the competition rules as set out at the start of the season alongside information submitted by the Club.
"We will look to confirm the League’s position as soon as possible once the circumstances have been fully reviewed.”
As things stand, the second semi-final between Chelsea and Tottenham on Wednesday is set to go ahead as planned.
