The Premier League will not change the rules on Covid-led postponements despite a backlash from managers and pundits.
Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl is the latest to question why injuries are being taken into consideration when calling off games. His side are due to host Newcastle on Sunday, but it is likely their opponents will request a postponement in the next 24 hours.
The Magpies asked the Premier League to rearrange Thursday evening's trip to Everton after a Covid outbreak was compounded by three injuries during Monday's draw with Manchester United. That request was granted — the 16th top-flight match lost this month — but Hasenhuttl feels Newcastle should have been able to fulfil the fixture.
Ralph Hasenhuttl is the latest manager to complain about recent cancellations
Newcastle were granted a postponement to their upcoming game against Southampton
‘Injuries are not Covid cases,' he said. ‘They had seven or eight players on the bench during their last game and now they have two more injuries. They should still have 13 players plus one (goalkeeper), this is the message from the Premier League.'
While Newcastle's case was thought to be marginal, the Premier League were satisfied they did not have 13 outfield players with first-team experience available for the game.
Joe White, 19, was on the bench on Monday, but does not count as an available player because he has not played a senior game.
Gary Neville believes clubs should be forced to field academy players. ‘The PL and EFL, Situs Judi Slot Online Gampang Menang in particular, have got to stop these cancellations unless in exceptional circumstances,' he tweeted.
Gary Neville believes teams should be fielding academy players rather than call games off