Leeds United’s trip to Liverpool in the Premier League on Boxing Day has been postponed after a fresh Covid outbreak with the Aston Villa clash also now in doubt.
Marcelo Bielsa had not provided the latest injury update on the squad before the trip to Merseyside, but after 10 players were unavailable for the Arsenal loss, a Covid outbreak has put pay to any hopes of fielding a competitive line-up.
With the home match against Villa scheduled in five days' time a decision is yet to be made, but the tight turnaround puts that game under threat too.
A Whites statement said: “We are disappointed to confirm 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 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.
“All tickets and official travel booked for the Liverpool game will be valid for the rearranged date. Further details to be announced in due course.”
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The match between Watford and Wolverhampton Wanderers on Boxing Day has also been postponed.
A Premier League statement said: "Following postponement requests from Leeds United and Watford, 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 two games are Wolverhampton Wanderers versus Watford and Liverpool against Leeds United, both due to be played on Sunday at 12.30pm.
"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.
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"The league is aware 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.
"The board concluded Leeds United will not be able to fulfil their fixture this weekend due to the number of players with Covid-19, injuries and illness.
"The club’s training ground has also been closed after consultation with the UK Health Security Agency and the Premier League."
