The Premier League has announced that Leicester City has to delay their match against Everton due to a lack of available players.
- Jamieson
- Jan 10, 2022
- 1 min read
Updated:May 6, 2022
Leicester City's upcoming Premier League game on Tuesday against Everton has been postponed because the team is facing a shortage of players due to COVID-19 infections, various injuries, and the participation of some players in the Africa Cup of Nations. This decision was officially communicated on Sunday.
A significant number of players were unavailable for the match owing to the recent spike in COVID-19 cases.
"The Premier League governing body has granted Leicester City’s request for the postponement because they do not meet the minimum player requirements to compete, needing at least 13 outfield players and one goalkeeper,\" the league stated.
This marks the 19th postponement of a match in the Premier League this season.
The Leicester squad will be missing notable players such as Jamie Vardy, Jonny Evans, Ricardo Pereira, Wesley Fofana, Caglar Soyuncu, Patson Daka, Timothy Castagne, James Justin, and Ryan Bertrand due to injuries, while Luke Thomas and Boubakari Soumare will also be absent.
The ongoing delays in match schedules are anticipated to have a significant financial impact on football clubs.
Kelechi Iheanacho, Wilfred Ndidi, and Daniel Amartey are currently representing their respective national teams in the Africa Cup of Nations, leaving Coach Brendan Rodgers short-handed.
Leicester's match against Everton at Goodison Park was initially scheduled for December 19 but was postponed after a COVID-19 outbreak within the club.
In addition to the match against Everton, Leicester City has also seen their games against Tottenham Hotspur and Norwich City postponed.
Everton has faced similar challenges, with two of their matches - against Newcastle United and Burnley - postponed last month.
As of now, Leicester City holds the 10th position in the Premier League, accumulating 25 points from 18 matches, whereas Everton is in 15th place with 19 games played.