Leicester vs Spurs postponed due to ongoing COVID-19 outbreak – The Athletic

Leicester's game against Tottenham has been postponed.

Tottenham have already had their last two games against Rennes and Brighton delayed due to a COVID-19 outbreak. However, Leicester have also been suffering from a significant outbreak of the virus, and Thursday night's match has now been postponed.

It follows Watford's trip to Burnley being called off just two and a half hours before kick-off on Wednesday night, Manchester United's game against Brentford being postponed and Sunday's match between Spurs and Brighton also being delayed.

A statement from Leicester said: "Leicester City can confirm that the Premier League Board has decided to postpone Thursday nights fixture against Tottenham Hotspur.

"The decision was taken with guidance from medical advisors after the club resubmitted its application for postponement after confirmation this morning (Thursday) of further positive tests for COVID-19 within the first team squad. As a result, the club has an insufficient number of first team players available to fulfil the match.

"Given the increase in positive tests among first team personnel, first team operations at Seagrave will now be closed for 48 hours, serving as a circuit breaker to help reduce the risk of further infection. First team players and staff will undergo a subsequent round of testing on Saturday.

"The club regrets the inconvenience caused to Tottenham Hotspur and both sets of supporters by Thursday nights postponement."

Antonio Conte and Brendan Rodgers had both called for the game to be postponed on Wednesday.

Rodgers said: Weve still got a number of players out. Weve got nine players out through COVID and other medical issues. In terms of COVID, were still where we were.

Asked whether he wanted the game called off, he said: Weve looked at that. Unfortunately for us, we werent granted any dispensation, which was disappointing. Weve wanted to support the measures, but when we wanted support for the extreme situation we were in, its disappointing not to get the support. We were touch and go for the Newcastle game. Weve picked up a couple of injuries as well, that are COVID related because we cant rotate the team. Well put out the best team we can.

Conte similarly replied: Yeah, but for me its very difficult to speak about this topic. For sure, the Premier League didnt want to postponed the game against Leicester, maybe because we have to play against Burnley and Brighton. We postponed two games before. I can understand, we can understand.

On the other hand, I think we deserve to play our chance against Rennes to go to the next group. We dont find a good solution between UEFA and Premier League, why Tottenham has to pay for this? Its not fair we have to pay for a situation that isnt our fault?

I understand if we did something wrong but in this way, for the club, the players, the staff, its very difficult to understand whats happening.

(Photo: Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

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Leicester vs Spurs postponed due to ongoing COVID-19 outbreak - The Athletic