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Leicester’s clash against Tottenham is the latest Premier League game to be postponed due to coronavirus.
The Foxes are dealing with an outbreak of positive cases in their camp, while Spurs have had to cancel their last two fixtures for the same reason.
A statement from the Premier League said: “In light of the new information, Leicester applied this morning for the fixture to be called off due to an ongoing outbreak within the squad, which has resulted in more players and staff testing positive for coronavirus.
“This has left the club with an insufficient number of players available to fulfil the game.
“Following consultation with the Premier League and UK Health Security Agency, the club’s first team training ground was closed this morning to help contain the outbreak.
“The Premier League understand this decision will disappoint and frustrate fans who were due to attend this evening’s game and apologise for the inconvenience and disruption caused at such short notice.
“The Premier League board assesses applications to postpone matches on a case-by-case basis, based on existing rules and COVID-19 postponement guidance issued to all clubs.
“It will assess a number of factors, including the ability of a club to field a team, the status, severity and potential impact of the COVID-19 outbreak at the club and the ability of the players to safely prepare for and play the match.
“The board must also consider the wider risks to the opposition and other people the club may come into contact with.”
Brentford’s meeting with Manchester United and Watford’s trip to Burnley were both postponed earlier this week as football grapples with another a surge in coronavirus cases.
The Bees have since learned of 13 positive cases among players and first-team staff.
Manager Thomas Frank called for the upcoming round of Premier League games this weekend, plus next week’s Carabao Cup quarter-finals, to be postponed to give clubs a chance to deal with the spread.
Frank said: “The coronavirus cases are going through the roof at all Premier League clubs.
“Everyone is dealing with it and everyone has a problem at this moment in time.
“To postpone this round [of Premier League games] and the Carabao Cup would give everyone a week at least to clean and do everything at the training ground so everything is fine and we break the chain at every club.”
Meanwhile, Brighton boss Graham Potter questioned how long “football can continue on the path it’s on” after revealing the Seagulls wanted their game against Wolves last night to be postponed.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated as more details become available. Please keep refreshing the page.
