December 23, (THEWILL) – Due to the large number of COVID-19 cases in the Leeds and Watford teams, two Premier League Boxing Day meetings have been postponed.
Leeds’ trip to Anfield to face Liverpool has been cancelled, as has Watford’s away fixture against Wolves. Both games were scheduled to begin at 12.30 p.m. on Sunday.
The Hornets have insufficient numbers to field a team with a number of players and staff in isolation after their previous Premier League match against Crystal Palace was also postponed.
The Whites, on their own part, have five more positive cases among first-team players and staff.
Leeds said in a statement: “We are disappointed to confirm that our Boxing Day fixture with Liverpool has been postponed following five new positive COVID cases within the first-team squad and staff. All of the cases we have experienced are asymptomatic which we believe is due to our high vaccine take up.
“The positive cases, combined with our well documented injury issues, means that we would not have enough recognised first-team players to meet the Premier League requirements for the fixture.”
On the other hand, a formal statement from Watford read: “Following postponement requests from Leeds United and Watford FC as a result of COVID-19, the Premier League Board met this morning and regrettably agreed to call off the two affected clubs’ Boxing Day fixtures.
“The Board today was able to make its decisions in advance of Boxing Day to give clarity to clubs and their supporters. We apologise for the inconvenience and disruption caused to those fans’ festive plans.
“Watford FC continue to have an insufficient number of players to field a team after their game against Crystal Palace FC last Saturday was postponed following a COVID-19 outbreak. Due to players coming out of isolation, it is fully expected Watford will be available for their fixture on Tuesday 28 December, against West Ham United.”
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
