The game was scheduled to be played on New Year’s Day
Leicester City’s game against Norwich City on New Year’s Day has been postponed due to Covid-19.
According to John Percy of the Telegraph, Norwich’s situation is so severe that they had just four outfield players in training on Thursday, with high levels of illness and injury.
The Canaries were without 10 players during their 3-0 defeat at Crystal Palace on Tuesday, naming two keepers among their eight substitutes.
Manager Dean Smith gave 18-year-old Jon Rowe his Premier League debut at Palace due to their limited attacking options and also started Sam Byram, who had been out injured for over 20 months.
Following a request from Norwich, the Premier League Board met today and regrettably agreed to postpone the club’s away fixture against Leicester, due to be played at 3pm on 1 January
Full statement: https://t.co/CYwd42fCIl#LEINOR pic.twitter.com/BkTh9fyKoT
— Premier League (@premierleague) December 30, 2021
A statement from the Premier League explains: “Following a request from Norwich City, the Premier League Board met today and regrettably agreed to postpone the club’s fixture at Leicester City’s King Power Stadium, due to be played at 15:00 GMT on Saturday 1 January.
“The Board accepted Norwich’s application as the club do not have the required number of players available for the match (13 outfield players and one goalkeeper), due to Covid-19 cases and injuries.
“The decision by the Board was able to be made in advance of the fixture to give clarity to the affected clubs and their fans. We apologise for the inconvenience and disruption caused to supporters’ festive plans.
“The League is aware that the recent decisions to postpone 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 our priority. Where possible, the League will endeavour to keep supporters updated if games become at risk on a matchday.”
The Premier League has issued guidance to explain that if clubs can name 13 outfield players and a goalkeeper from their registered 25-man squad then games would go ahead.
However, 15 top-flight games have been postponed in the past three weeks as several clubs are hit by Covid outbreaks.
Related links:
- Ralf Rangnick urges people to get vaccinated and ‘follow medical advice’
- EFL end match-day Covid testing in hope of limiting last-minute postponements
- Newcastle’s game at Everton postponed due to Covid and injuries
