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Liverpool’s Boxing Day clash with Leeds and Wolves’ game against Watford have both been postponed due to coronavirus cases.
Leeds and Watford have both been affected by a number of positive tests meaning their two games on Sunday are the first Premier League matches to be called off.
Only four of last weekend’s top-flight games were able to go ahead as Omicron wreaks havoc with the sporting calendar.
Fourteen of the EFL’s scheduled games for December 26 have already been postponed as the festive period is heavily disrupted.
A Premier League statement said: “The league is aware that the decision to postpone these two matches will disappoint supporters and understands their frustrations at a special time of year when fans look forward to attending and watching football games.
“The league aims to provide as much clarity as possible, but unfortunately postponements sometimes have to be made at short notice, as safety is the priority.
“The league will endeavour to keep supporters updated if games become at risk on a matchday.”
While Leeds played Arsenal at the weekend, the Hornets’ last two games against Burnley and Crystal Palace have both been postponed.
But the Premier League have confirmed that their game on December 28 against West Ham will go ahead with players coming out of isolation.
The statement added: “Watford continue to have an insufficient number of players to field a team after their game against Crystal Palace last Saturday was postponed.
“Due to players coming out of isolation, it is fully expected Watford will be available for their fixture against West Ham United.”
Leeds, on the other hand, suffered heavy defeats against Arsenal and Manchester City in the past nine days and have now been forced to close their Thorp Arch training ground over five new cases.
A club statement 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.
“The training ground at Thorp Arch will be closed for a period of two days on the advice of Public Health England. We would like to thank the Premier League for the support and advice they have provided during this period.”
Leeds welcome Aston Villa to Elland Road on December 28 before Burnley are the visitors on January 2.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated as more details become available. Please keep refreshing the page.
