Burnley verses Leicester match off due to COVID outbreak

Stands are empty due to COVID-19 restrictions during the English Premier League soccer match between Burnley and Sheffield United, at Turf Moor Stadium in Burnley, England, Sunday, July 5, 2020. (Clive Brunskill/Pool Photo via AP)

LONDON -- Burnley's shortage of players due to coronavirus cases and injuries has led to its Premier League match against Leicester being postponed.

The league accepted Burnley's case that it didn't have enough squad members available -- 13 outfield players and one goalkeeper -- for Saturday's match.

It is the 20th Premier League game postponed since Dec. 12 due to players having to isolate. Relegation-threatened Burnley has already played three games fewer than last-place Norwich, which is a point behind in last place.

COVID-19 outbreaks continue to impact other teams with Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen ruled out of Saturday's game at Manchester City while isolating.

City also has new virus cases, though manager Pep Guardiola wouldn't identify how many or who on Friday.

``We have some new cases but they want privacy, so I cannot tell you,'' Guardiola said at a news conference.

The league leaders were without 21 people, including Guardiola and seven senior players, for last Friday's 4-1 victory over Swindon in a third-round FA Cup match. Some of them have since tested negative.

``Some people are coming, some people are positive again,'' Guardiola said. ``When you tested once, twice negative you come back. Otherwise you stay at home.'

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