The Premier League are refusing to budge on their rules over Covid-related postponements after criticism from several leading figures.
English football has been dealing with rising cases across the division in recent weeks, with the Premier League having postponed 16 fixtures during December as teams deal with the absences of senior stars.
However, there has been criticism from managers and pundits over postponements due to injuries, with Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl the latest to have questioned why injuries are being considered alongside Covid cases when postponing fixtures.
The Saints are scheduled to face Newcastle on Sunday, though the latter are expected to request a postponement after seeing Thursday’s fixture with Everton also rearranged, having sustained three injuries to add to their mounting Covid cases.
Several leading figures have now questioned the Premier League’s rules and believe that only Covid cases should be considered when assessing whether a fixture can go ahead as scheduled.
The Mail are reporting that the Premier League will not change their rules despite the recent criticism and will stick with the guidance of Appendix 17 (13 players plus one goalkeeper available).
Gary Neville recently called for academy players to be given a chance, though youth players are not currently considered as available players if they have not played a senior game for the club.
