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

Premier League board accepted postponement request as Wolverhampton Wanderers do not have the required number of players available for the game [13 outfield players and one goalkeeper] following a number of COVID-19 cases and injuries at the club, ”the league said in a statement.

The Premier League only grants a deferral if a club has fewer than 14 players – 13 outfielders and a goalkeeper – available, with the board considering requests on a case-by-case basis.

Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds side also saw their Boxing Day game in Liverpool postponed after positive cases of COVID-19 in the squad. The Wolves Boxing Day clash at home against Watford had also been called off due to COVID-19 cases at the Watford camp.

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

“Although there have been no new cases of COVID on the playing squad, the majority of those who tested positive ahead of the Liverpool game [on Boxing Day] have not yet been released from solitary confinement.

“Therefore, we still do not have enough recognized first-team players to meet the Premier League’s requirements for the game.”

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