Everton vs Newcastle becomes latest Premier League postponement
Everton vs Newcastle has become the latest Premier League game to be postponed over the festive period.
The match was initially scheduled for Thursday 30 December, but due to the Magpies' mounting Covid-19 cases and injury problems, it will now be played later on in the campaign.
The news comes as little surprise, as manager Eddie Howe hinted that Newcastle's upcoming fixtures could be in doubt after their 1-1 draw with Manchester United on Monday night.
The Magpies confirmed that their trip to Goodison Park would not go ahead on Tuesday night.
"Newcastle United's Premier League fixture at Everton on Thursday evening has been postponed following Covid-19 cases and injuries amongst the Magpies’ first team squad," a statement read.
???? ??? ❌#NUFC's trip to Goodison Park to face Everton on Thursday has been postponed due to Covid-19 cases and injuries amongst the Magpies’ first team squad.
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) December 28, 2021
"A number of players and staff members have returned positive results during routine PCR tests in recent days, while several players have suffered injuries during an extremely busy period of fixtures.
"Accordingly, Newcastle United lodged a formal request with the Premier League to postpone Thursday’s fixture at Goodison Park, and that has been approved by the Premier League Board.
"The match, which was scheduled to kick off at 7:30pm (GMT), will now be rescheduled and a new date and time will be confirmed in due course.
"Newcastle United would like to place on record its thanks to Everton FC and the Premier League for their cooperation and understanding.
"The club also wishes to offer its sincere apologies to supporters of both clubs for any inconvenience caused by these circumstances.
"Newcastle United will continue to follow extensive coronavirus protocols and the club is working with Public Health England North East (PHE), local health authorities and the Premier League to minimise the risk of further transmission.
"The club will not be naming individuals who have contracted Covid-19 or their vaccination status. We ask that their privacy is respected and we wish them a full and speedy recovery."
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