Liverpool FC To Play Twice In Separate Continents Within 24 Hours; Here's How

Liverpool FC are expected to field two different teams as they will play in two different tournaments, which are scheduled in two separate continents, within 24 hours.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp earlier ruled out the club playing in both the fixtures and had requested the English Football League (EFL) to rearrange their League Cup quarter-final match against Aston Villa.

The EFL offered Liverpool alternative dates but eventually, "none were considered suitable."

The Reds will play against Aston Villa at Birmingham's Villa Park on Dec. 17 at 14:45 EST and will compete in the Club World Cup semi-final in Qatar the following day at 12.30 EST.

"We would like to thank the EFL for their efforts to accommodate us and we can confirm alternative dates were discussed, but ultimately none were considered suitable without compromising the scheduling of the competition itself or placing an undue strain on our playing staff. As a result, we will be utilizing two playing squads simultaneously, with one squad participating in the Fifa Club World Cup in Qatar and another in the Carabao Cup," Liverpool said in a statement.

The club also mentioned that while it is not an ideal scenario, the decision was taken keeping in mind the "interest of the competition, our fellow clubs and ourselves as the sole motivating factor."

So far, Liverpool have eight confirmed fixtures in December including a League Cup match against Aston Villa, a Champions League game against RB Salzburg and Club World Cup semi-final. If they win the last-four match in Qatar, they'll have an additional fixture in the month - the Club World Cup final - a trophy that is yet to come on Liverpool's cabinet.

Meanwhile, Liverpool manager Klopp has expressed disappointment over the whole scheduling issue.

"We have to find solutions. The problems are obvious. Every year we do the same again. Some find it funny - 'five games in three days - let's see how it works out'," Klopp said after EFL announced their decision.

Klopp also mentioned that Liverpool does not want to be in trouble with either FIFA or EFL.

"Do we want to be in trouble with Fifa or the EFL? Probably not and we respect the competitions. The Carabao Cup makes it sound like we don't want to play in it. That is not true, but I don't understand two games in the semi-final. I don't like that in a busy period of the season. You only play the Club World Cup if you win the Champions League, and that does not happen in your life five million times so you take that opportunity. Is it the best time of the year? Nope. We will go there, we will try to play all the games with all that we have," Liverpool boss added.