The Premier League match between Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur has been postponed, it has been confirmed.
Villa were forced to play their last game, against Liverpool in the FA Cup, without any first-team players after a coronavirus outbreak at their Bodymoor Heath training complex.
The game went ahead with Liverpool running out victors on Friday night but Wednesday’s Premier League fixture hasn’t been so fortunate.
Spurs will instead play Fulham in a game already postponed after the Cottagers’ own coronavirus outbreak.
Their match with Chelsea, originally scheduled for Friday night, will now be played on Saturday evening instead.
A Premier League statement read: "Aston Villa’s match against Tottenham Hotspur, due to be played at Villa Park on Wednesday 13 January, has been rescheduled following a decision by the Premier League Board.
"Following Aston Villa’s request to rearrange the fixture, and due to the number of players and staff who have either tested positive for Covid-19 or have been placed in isolation by the club, the Premier League had no other option than to reschedule the game.
"With the health of players and staff the priority, the League continues to work with Aston Villa on measures to ensure their League season resumes safely and at the earliest opportunity.
"The Premier League wishes those with Covid-19 a full and swift recovery and will rearrange Aston Villa’s game against Tottenham Hotspur as soon as possible."
Everton’s away game at Aston Villa has also been rescheduled from Saturday at 5.30pm to Sunday at 12pm.
Tottenham welcomed the move and wished those at Villa suffering with the virus a swift recovery.
“The Premier League informed us of the decision following a request by Aston Villa on the grounds of the number of their players and staff who have either tested positive for Covid-19 or have been placed in isolation,” they said.
"Everyone at Tottenham Hotspur sends their best wishes to Aston Villa for a safe and speedy recovery to all those who are affected."
