Arsenal-Wolves, Leeds-Villa: The last Premier League games have been postponed due to COVID

Arsenal’s home game against Wolverhampton Wanderers on December 28 has been postponed due to COVID-19 cases and injuries in the visiting squad, the Premier League announced on Sunday.

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It’s the second game postponed for this Tuesday, with Leeds United’s clash at Aston Villa on Elland Road also being canceled due to a COVID-19 outbreak. The two cancellations increase the number of Premier League games postponed to 15, including three of the nine games on Boxing Day.

“The Premier League board has accepted the postponement request because Wolverhampton Wanderers does not have the required number of players to play [13 outfield players and one goalkeeper] following a series of COVID-19 cases and injuries at the club, “the league said.

The Premier League only grants a postponement if a club has fewer than 14 players – 13 field players and one goalkeeper – available, with the Board of Directors examining the requests on a case-by-case basis.

Marcelo Bielsa’s team in Leeds also saw their Boxing Day game in Liverpool postponed after positive COVID-19 cases in the roster. The Wolves’ Boxing Day fight against Watford at home had also been canceled due to COVID-19 cases at Watford camp.

A Leeds statement on Sunday said: “We can confirm that our Premier League game with Aston Villa has been postponed on December 28, 2021.

“Although there were no new COVID cases on the roster, the majority of those who tested positive before the Liverpool game were”, [on Boxing Day] are not out of isolation yet.

“That’s why we still don’t have enough recognized first-team players to qualify for the Premier League game.”

Among those out on Boxing Day was Villa, who lost 3-1 to visitor Chelsea, with Villa boss Steven Gerrard missing the game after testing positive for COVID-19. Crystal Palace had to do without manager Patrick Vieira in their 3-0 loss to Tottenham as he also tested positive for COVID-19.

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