Will Liverpool vs Shrewsbury go ahead? FA’s stance revealed ahead of FA Cup tie after Arsenal postponement

Liverpool's FA Cup third-round clash against Shrewsbury has been shrouded in doubt.

The Reds are due to kick off their campaign in the historic tournament against the League One Shrews on Sunday (14.00 kick-off).

However, due to a Covid-19 outbreak at Anfield, there are concerns that the tie will not go ahead.

Background

Jurgen Klopp's men were forced to postpone their Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at Arsenal this evening.

A number of coronavirus cases, coupled with injuries and the unavailability of Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Naby Keita because of the African Cup of Nations, left Liverpool threadbare.

They were unable to meet the 13 outfield players plus a goalkeeper required to fulfil a fixture.

The game has been rescheduled for Thursday 20 January.

Among those isolating are Alisson Becker, Roberto Firmino and Joel Matip - who all missed last Sunday's 2-2 draw at Chelsea.

Meanwhile, Klopp has been in isolation after testing positive and Liverpool confirmed yesterday that assistant boss Pep Lijnders also has contracted Covid.

Naturally, there are questions marks about the FA Cup game with Shrewsbury, with the Reds' Kirkby-based training ground now shut to the first team.

Will Liverpool vs Shrewsbury go ahead?

Liverpool's help page on Twitter has confirmed that, as things stand, the encounter will go ahead.

And as per the Shropshire Star, an FA spokesperson has said all third-round fixtures are expected to go be played.

If clubs cannot fulfil fixtures they should inform the FA “at the earliest opportunity” for the Professional Game Board to consider a postponement.

The statement said: “Clubs competing in the 2021/22 Emirates FA Cup are expected to participate in fixtures as they are currently scheduled.

“However, if a club does not have the sufficient number of eligible players available due to COVID-19, this should be reported to The FA at the earliest opportunity and would be referred to the Professional Game Board for consideration.

“Replays have been removed in both the Third and Fourth rounds of the 2021/22 Emirates FA Cup to alleviate the possibility of fixture congestion following several postponements in recent weeks and continued uncertainty ahead due to Covid-19.”

Youth Cup tie rearranged

Liverpool under-18s were due to face Burnley in the FA Youth Cup on Friday evening.

That match has been postponed, however.

That is because some of Marc Bridge-Wilkinson's fledgling troops may be needed for the Shrewsbury game should it go ahead.