23rd December, 2021
Two Premier League Boxing Day fixtures have been postponed as a result of the high number of Covid-19 cases in the Leeds and Watford squads.
Leeds’ trip to face Liverpool at Anfield and Watford’s away match against Wolves have been called off.
Both were due to be played at 12.30pm on Sunday.
Leeds have already seen many members of the squad down with the virus as five more members of the team returned positive tests result after their 4-1 loss to Arsenal.
Watford on the other hand have insufficient numbers to field with many players and staff still in isolation after their previous Premier League match against Crystal Palace was also postponed.
In a statement, Leeds said: “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.”
A club 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.