Liverpool vs. Leeds Among 2 EPL Matches Postponed from Boxing Day Schedule amid COVID

The Premier League announced Thursday that two matches from its Boxing Day schedule—Liverpool vs. Leeds United and Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Watford—have been postponed because of COVID-19 concerns.

"The League is aware that the decision to postpone these two 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 Premier League said.

The Premier League board reached the conclusion that neither Leeds nor Watford would have enough available players to field a squad for Sunday's fixtures. The league is hopeful Watford can return to play Tuesday, when it's scheduled to face West Ham United, as players return from isolation protocols.

A date for Leeds' return to action wasn't provided.

"The positive cases, combined with our well-documented injury issues, means that we would not have enough recognized first-team players to meet the Premier League requirements for the fixture," the club said in a statement, adding its training ground will be closed for two days.

While the Premier League stated there are no plans to pause the 2021-22 season because of COVID-19 issues, it noted there could be further postponements.

"The League aims to provide as much clarity as possible, but unfortunately postponements sometimes have to be made at short notice, as safety is the priority," it added. "The League will endeavor to keep supporters updated if matches become at risk on a matchday."

So far, 12 matches have been postponed in December because of COVID-19 issues, per ESPN.

Seven fixtures remain on the Boxing Day schedule, including Premier League leaders Manchester City taking on Leicester City.

In all, 28 matches are scheduled during the nine-day period between Sunday and Jan. 3, but the coronavirus could throw a wrench in those plans.