Burnley-Watford clash postponed due to Covid-19 outbreak

The Premier League fixture between Burnley and Watford scheduled for Wednesday evening has been postponed due to a Covid-19 outbreak in the Hornets' squad.

England's top flight recorded its highest number of weekly positive tests since May 2020 in its latest round of checks. Coronavirus cases are rising throughout the United Kingdom, with the government introducing new Plan B measures in an attempt to curb infection rates.

A statement on Watford's website reads: "It is with regret the Premier League Board has postponed Burnley FC’s home fixture against Watford FC, due to be played this evening (Wednesday 15 December) at 7.30pm.

"The decision was taken following guidance from medical advisers due to an ongoing COVID-19 outbreak within Watford’s squad. As a result, the club has an insufficient number of First Team players available to fulfil the match.

"The Premier League understands this decision will disappoint and frustrate fans who were due to attend this evening’s game and apologises for the inconvenience and disruption caused at such short notice."

Manchester United's trip to Brentford on Tuesday was postponed due to an outbreak in the Red Devils' camp. Tottenham have also had to deal with mass infections - missing fixtures with Rennes and Brighton - but their game with Leicester will go ahead on Thursday night.

Manchester City Women were also due to face Leicester in a Continental Tyres Cup on Wednesday night, but that is another game which has been called off due to an outbreak.

It was reported on Wednesday that the UK has recorded the highest number of Covid-19 cases since the start of the pandemic with 78,610 new cases. The previous record was 68,053 in early January, when the country was in lockdown.

The public is being encouraged to get their booster jabs for greater protection against coronavirus.

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