Staff Reporter.
Newcastle United’s Premier League match away to Southampton on Sunday has been postponed because of the number of Covid-19 cases and injuries in the Magpies squad.
Newcastle’s match at Everton was postponed on Thursday after the club asked for the game to be called off.
In a statement on Friday, Newcastle said: “In accordance with protocol, the Magpies submitted a separate request to the Premier League to postpone the trip to the south coast, and this has been approved by the Premier League board.”
The Premier League added: “Newcastle continue to have ongoing Covid-19 cases and injuries that led to their match against Everton being called off earlier this week.
“The board accepted the postponement application as the club do not have the required number of players available for the match (13 outfield players and one goalkeeper).”
It means 17 top-flight games have been postponed since the start of December.
The Premier League accepted Newcastle’s request as the club do not have the required number of players available.
While applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, the minimum number of players required is set at 13 outfield players and one goalkeeper.
The game was due to kick-off at 14:00 GMT on Sunday.