The Premier League has confirmed the fixture between Leicester and Norwich scheduled for New Year’s Day has been postponed due to the Canaries’ issues with Covid-19 cases and injuries.
It is the latest fixture to be pushed back. Norwich have confirmed they received positive PCR test results to go alongside their hefty list of injury absentees.
The club can confirm that our scheduled game against Leicester City (Saturday, January 1) has been postponed following a decision from the Premier League board. ⬇️#NCFC | #LEINOR
— Norwich City FC (@NorwichCityFC) December 30, 2021
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The league’s statement reads: “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.”
Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers has been critical of the Premier League’s scheduling of matches, saying: “If you end up with an ACL injury or broken leg, because you’re making a tired tackle, or some guy tackles you with a clumsy tackle, that’s when it’s an issue.
“That’s the player welfare element and something that can affect the livelihood of a player.
“He may never play again or it might push him back in his career, and fatigue will play a huge part in that.”
The Foxes recently lost Jamie Vardy to a hamstring injury and are also without the likes of Wesley Fofana, Ricardo Pereira, Caglar Soyuncu, Patson Baka and Jonny Evans to name just a few.
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