Premier League Postpones Two Matches Due to COVID-19 Outbreaks

Strategic Insights -

The Premier League has called off two matches scheduled for Sunday, bringing the total number of postponed matches to 12 in the past two weeks due to coronavirus issues in squads. The decision was made after Leeds and Watford reported COVID-19 outbreaks among their players and staff. The two clubs were set to play against Liverpool and Wolverhampton, respectively, as part of the Boxing Day program. The postponement of the matches is the latest disruption to the competition, which has been affected by rising cases of the omicron variant in Britain.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Premier League has called off 12 matches in the past two weeks due to COVID-19 issues in squads.
  • Leeds and Watford were forced to postpone their matches against Liverpool and Wolverhampton, respectively, due to COVID-19 outbreaks among their players and staff.
  • The postponement of the matches is part of a larger disruption to the competition, which has been affected by rising cases of the omicron variant in Britain.
  • Six matches in the second-tier Championship have also been postponed on Sunday.
  • The Leeds training ground has been closed to contain the spread of the coronavirus, with five new positive cases among the squad and staff reported on Thursday.
  • Watford expects to be able to play West Ham on Tuesday after players come out of isolation.
  • Confirmed coronavirus cases in Britain have surged by almost 60% in a week, with a record 90 positive cases recorded last week.
  • The Premier League has urged players to get vaccinated, with 16% yet to receive a single dose.
  • The Italian and Spanish leagues have reported higher vaccination rates, with over 90% of players fully vaccinated.
  • The Premier League has reported that only 77% of its players have received a double jab.
  • Serie A has gone on a planned winter break, while two rounds of games in Serie B have been postponed.
  • The second division in Italy will resume on January 13.

Statistics:

  • 12 matches postponed in the past two weeks due to COVID-19 issues in squads.
  • 6 matches in the second-tier Championship postponed on Sunday.
  • 5 new positive cases among the Leeds squad and staff reported on Thursday.
  • 90 positive cases recorded last week in Britain.
  • 16% of Premier League players yet to receive a single dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
  • 77% of Premier League players have received a double jab.
  • 60% surge in confirmed coronavirus cases in Britain in a week.
  • Over 90% of players in the Italian and Spanish leagues have been fully vaccinated.

Sources:

  • "Coronavirus outbreaks at Leeds and Watford lead to two Premier League matches being postponed" - AP News
  • "Premier League urges players to get vaccinated as COVID-19 cases surge" - AP News
  • "Serie A goes on winter break, Serie B postpones two rounds of games" - AP News
  • "Italian and Spanish leagues report high vaccination rates" - AP News