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Leeds struggle with COVID, Premier League order them to play v Arsenal - Henry Winter
Leeds United were ordered to play against Arsenal on Saturday evening by the Premier League, according to Henry Winter.
The Times journalist has shared that the Whites are now struggling with COVID as well as injuries at Thorp Arch.
Winter insisted that there has to be more consistency, as the likes of Leeds and Chelsea were made to fulfil their fixtures over the weekend.
Writing in his latest column for The Times, Winter shared the latest state of play with COVID at Elland Road.
“It’s right that the Premier League show goes on, fulfilling the festive fixture list because it is all about broadcast obligations and fears over fixture congestion,” he wrote.
“But there needs to be greater consistency in Premier League thinking. Leeds were struggling with injuries as well as COVID yet ordered to play on against Arsenal.
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“Chelsea were thrown to the Wolves. Aston Villa were rescued three hours before kick-off against Burnley. Manchester United were reprieved the night before their game with Brentford. No consistency.”
Embarrassing.
There has to be more information released when clubs are having games called off, with some clubs surely having enough players to fulfil their fixtures.
The likes of Manchester United and Chelsea have huge squads, and if the Whites have to utilise their academies, so should they.
After the meeting of all Premier League clubs on Monday (20th December), it was deemed that 13 players including a goalkeeper would be enough to get games going.
On top of that, any academy players with slight senior experience counted as viable options for all clubs in the top flight.
Given Leeds’ small squad, that doesn’t help them as most of their academy options have been in at least one matchday squad in the Premier League.
Hopefully, things can be resolved sooner rather than later and if our trouble continues, the Liverpool game on Boxing Day could fall foul.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites are ready to make major January signings with unexpected deals to force action