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Leeds’ home clash with Aston Villa on Tuesday has been postponed due to ongoing coronavirus problems coinciding with injury issues within Marcelo Bielsa’s squad.
Bielsa fielded a depleted side in a 4-1 loss against Arsenal last Saturday before the Premier League announced his team would not face Liverpool on Boxing Day due to having an insufficient number of first-team players to fulfil the game.
Villa were set to be their next opponents at Elland Road, but the league have accepted the Yorkshire club does not have the “required number of players available for the match (13 outfield players and one goalkeeper)”.
Leeds confirmed there had been no new positive tests within the playing squad. However, the majority of those who tested positive before the Liverpool game remain in isolation.
The Premier League said: “Following a request from Leeds, the board met today and regrettably agreed to postpone the club’s home fixture against Aston Villa, due to be played at 5.30pm.
“The board was able to make its decision in advance of the match to give clarity to the affected clubs and their fans. We apologise for the inconvenience and disruption caused to supporters’ festive plans.
“The postponement is a result of the ongoing coronavirus cases and injuries at Leeds, which saw their Boxing Day match against Liverpool called off.
“The board accepted the postponement application as the club does not have the required number of players available for the match (13 outfield players and one goalkeeper).”
Villa’s meeting with Chelsea this evening remains set to go ahead, though they will be without manager Steven Gerrard after the former Liverpool midfielder tested positive for coronavirus.
The Premier League board reiterated its stance for the top-flight schedule to continue as intended following an emergency meeting between clubs on Monday, despite coronavirus ravaging fixtures throughout the top four tiers of English football.
The statement added: “The board assesses applications to postpone matches on a case-by-case basis, based on existing rules and adapted coronavirus postponement guidance, implemented in light of the new Omicron variant.
“While recognising a number of clubs are experiencing coronavirus outbreaks, it is the clubs’ and the league’s collective intention to continue the current fixture schedule where safely possible.
“The health and wellbeing of all concerned remains our priority and the league will continue to monitor and reflect public health guidance, always proceeding with caution.”
In total, 14 games across England’s top flight have been postponed this month.
