Covid-hit Chelsea 'angry' after 0-0 draw with Wolves

LONDON • Hours before Chelsea's 0-0 draw at Wolverhampton Wanderers yesterday, the Blues said they were "deeply disappointed" the English Premier League had turned down their request to postpone the game because of a Covid-19 outbreak.

Had the fixture been called off, it would have been the seventh out of 10 games to be axed this weekend due to the virus.

The new Omicron variant is buffeting Britain, leading to a spike in cases nationwide.

The outbreak at Chelsea, already missing Romelu Lukaku, Timo Werner, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ben Chilwell, who is also injured, because of positive Covid-19 tests worsened over the weekend, with three more unnamed players infected.

The visitors were forced to name only four outfield players on their bench against Wolves, including a half-fit Mateo Kovacic, out injured for the past 11 games in all competitions, and two goalkeepers.

The European champions' request was reportedly rejected because Thomas Tuchel's team were still deemed to have had enough players to fulfil the fixture according to Premier League regulations.

The rules stipulate that games must be played if at least 14 players are fit and available, although that rule is open to interpretation.

The Premier League is, however, scheduled to meet all 20 clubs today to decide whether the competition should take a breather in light of the worsening situation.

The Blues felt they were hard done by despite presenting "a strong case regarding the security and health of players".

Tuchel yesterday complained: "It is very hard to understand it. We applied to not play and put the situation under control and it was rejected.

"We were made to be in the bus and travel together for three hours, were in meetings together, in dinner and lunch - and the situation does not feel like it will stop.

"We end up with players who play coming from injuries and we take the risk. I am worried from a medical point of view, we have had four days of consecutive positive tests. How will it stop if we are in a bus together and in meetings together?

"We are disappointed, we are a bit angry."

Tuchel's anger was justified as the visitors lost further ground on holders Manchester City after the goalless draw at the Molineux.

Christian Pulisic, a winger by trade, looked isolated after being forced to play in an unfamiliar role up front as the away side's slump continued.

Chelsea have now dropped nine points from their past seven games with injuries and Covid-19 taking a toll on the team.

League leaders City, who have not suffered a mass outbreak unlike many of their rivals, eased to a 4-0 win over relegation-threatened Newcastle at St James' Park.

Ruben Dias, Joao Cancelo, Riyad Mahrez and Raheem Sterling all struck as Pep Guardiola's men went six points clear of third-placed Chelsea (38).

On Saturday, Arsenal maintained their hold on fourth spot after thumping Leeds away 4-1.

Gabriel Martinelli's first league double, alongside strikes from Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe gave the Gunners their third straight top-flight win.

In the process, they scored their 7,000th top-flight goal, becoming only the third side after Everton and Liverpool to reach that mark since the Football League began in 1888.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, REUTERS