Liverpool-Leeds and Wolves-Watford are among 17 fixtures on the popular Boxing Day programme already postponed as more players test positive for COVID-19.
The surge of COVID-19 cases in Britain has already begun to affect Boxing Day football, one of the highlights of the English season.
Two Premier League matches were called off on Thursday afternoon, three days before they were due to take place, together with 15 matches in the Football League.
Leeds’ training ground has been closed to contain the spread of the virus, with five new positive cases among the squad and staff reported on Thursday.
“All of the cases we have experienced are asymptomatic which we believe is due to our high vaccine take-up,” Leeds said. “The positive cases, combined with our well-documented injury issues, means that we would not have enough recognised first-team players to meet the Premier League requirements for the fixture.”
Leeds’ game with Aston Villa on December 28 is now likely to be under review.
Watford, who have already had two games called off this month, continue to have an insufficient number of players to field a team, the Premier League said.
“Due to players coming out of isolation, it is fully expected Watford will be available for their fixture on Tuesday 28 December, against West Ham United,” the League added.
While leagues in most European countries take a break over Christmas, the holiday programme is one of the most cherished traditions of the English game and matches usually attract larger-than-average crowds.
The Premier League, which has now called off 12 matches due to coronavirus issues in two weeks, added in their statement: “The league is aware that 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.”
Four Boxing Day Championship matches are off so far, together with 11 in the lower divisions. Three matches scheduled for later in the week have also been postponed.
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