Arsenal v Wolves postponed over Covid cases; Leeds v Aston Villa also axed

Leeds United’s match against Liverpool on St Stephen's Day had already been postponed due to the virus.

The Premier League logo seen displayed on a mobile phone with a Coronavirus illustration on a monitor in the background.

Arsenal’s clash with Wolves on Tuesday has been postponed with the Wanderers squad decimated by Covid-19 cases and injuries, the Premier League has confirmed.

A statement from the governing body read: “Arsenal FC’s match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates Stadium, due to be played at 12:30pm on Tuesday 28 December, has regrettably been postponed.

“The Premier League Board accepted the postponement application as Wolverhampton Wanderers does not have the required number of players available for the match (13 outfield players and one goalkeeper) as a result of a number of COVID-19 cases and injuries at the club.

“The Board was able to make its decision 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 announcement came just hours after Leeds’ home clash with Aston Villa on the same day was called off.

The Premier League statement continued: “The League is aware that the decisions this week 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.”

Earlier: Leeds' Premier League clash with Aston Villa the latest game to be called off

Leeds have announced that their Premier League game against Aston Villa on December 28 has been called off due to Covid.

United’s match against Liverpool on St Stephen's Day had already been postponed due to the virus.

“Whilst there have been no new Covid cases in the playing squad, the majority of those who tested positive prior to the Liverpool game are not yet out of isolation,” the Yorkshire club said in a statement.

Elsewhere, Hull’s Sky Bet Championship match against Blackburn became the latest Sunday fixture to be postponed due to Covid-19.

The Tigers announced just over two hours before kick-off that the match – due to be televised by Sky Sports – would not go ahead due to positive cases in their squad.

Another Championship match on December 30 was also called off, with an outbreak in Preston’s squad forcing the postponement of their trip to West Brom.