- England's Lawrence eager to face rising Wallabies star Suaalii
- Judge Spurs at end of the season, says Postecoglou
- Paris Olympic horses to be awarded military medals
- Flood-hit Spain drenched by wettest October on record
- Spain call up uncapped trio for Nations League
- INEOS Britannia named as challenger for 38th America's Cup
- Scarlets wing Murray set for Wales debut against Fiji
- Stocks falter tracking US, China policy updates
- Prince William reflects on 'brutal' year as Kate returns to public life
- After Trump win, EU leaders tackle 'urgent' reform agenda
- France expects massive slump in 2024 wine harvest
- Leaders condemn 'anti-Semitic' football clashes in Amsterdam
- China passes energy law to 'promote carbon neutrality'
- Slot not surprised by flying start at Liverpool
- Kagiyama leads Miura at NHK Trophy
- China unveils sweeping local govt debt swap to lift ailing economy
- Partial UN probe of Gaza war dead over 6 months shows 'nearly 70%' women, children
- 'Anti-government' samosa theft prompts India police probe
- Qantas plane returns to Australia airport due to 'engine failure'
- Ayub hits 82 as Pakistan crush Australia in 2nd ODI
- Russian drones, missiles pummel cities across Ukraine
- First artwork by humanoid robot sells for over $1.0 million
- China to raise local govt debt ceiling to boost struggling economy
- Climate change poses multiple risks for banks
- Boxing club helps fight Greenland's suicide scourge
- Retired Olympian Daley dives into the spool with Tokyo knitwear show
- Japanese organ builder 'honoured' to restore voice of Notre Dame
- Sony quarterly net profit jumps but forecast unchanged
- Asian markets struggle to maintain momentum after Fed cut
- Fur flies as Russia takes on young fans of 'quadrobics'
- Pharrell Williams to bring star power to Web Summit tech event
- On Kinshasa's streets hairdressers make a quick buck
- Rauf takes five as Australia out for 163 in 2nd Pakistan ODI
- Harris thrusts himself into pole position in Australia 'bat-off'
- Trump makes first cabinet pick, eyes Putin talks
- Qantas plane returns to Australia airport due to 'engine failure', sparks fire
- Jackson leads thrilling Ravens comeback over Bengals
- Why young men turned out in droves for Donald Trump
- China poised to approve more help for ailing economy
- Philippines cleans up after Typhoon Yinxing slams north coast
- Bucks snap losing streak with Jazz rout
- Quesada fears rustiness as Italy face Argentina in opening November Test
- Hard graft takes 140kg 'big sponge' Tatafu to France debut
- Asian markets extend rally after Fed cut
- 'Constant threat' Dupont back for France against Japan
- Bestaven in pursuit of sailing's 'holy grail' in Vendee Globe
- French monument Saint-Etienne eye success again under new ownership
- Bayern look to extend lead as Kompany makes his mark
- Sinner ATP Finals favourite after brilliant and controversial year
- Cracked earth in Greece's saffron heartland as drought takes toll
Burnley-Watford postponed as Clarets lose players to Covid
Burnley's match against relegation rivals Watford on Tuesday has been postponed after the Premier League accepted the Clarets' request for a delay on the grounds they had fewer than the required number of players available.
Burnley manager Sean Dyche, speaking at a press conference of Monday, said only 10 first-team players took part in training that day before the club asked for the postponement.
Dyche added Covid-hit Burnley were in a worse position than they had been before the Premier League agreed to call off Saturday's match against Leicester, with Charlie Taylor having suffered a knock in training.
"We're at such a stretched moment in time that it's very difficult all round," Dyche said.
A statement released by Burnley and the Premier League late read: "The Premier League board accepted Burnley's application with the club having fewer than the required number of players available for the match (13 outfield players and one goalkeeper), due to ongoing Covid-19 cases, injuries, and representation at the Africa Cup of Nations."
Amid concerns over a rising number of postponements, Dyche insisted Burnley had not made their request to the Premier League lightly.
"We've worked really hard to get games on when we've been stretched but it's just too far below the threshold," he said.
Dyche did not reveal how many of his squad had Covid-19 but stressed the problem was more than just a numbers issue.
"There are some 'double bubbles' as well. Johann (Berg Gudmundsson) is injured and has Covid...There's a mix of what's going on and it stretches you to the limit," he explained.
Saturday's game was the fourth time this season Burnley had a match called off due to Covid-19, but the first time the request had come from the northwest side.
The Watford match had already been rearranged -- it was originally scheduled on December 15 but was postponed because of positive cases in the Hornets' camp.
Burnley last played on January 8, when they were without seven players for their 2-1 FA Cup loss to Championship side Huddersfield - a match Dyche and coach Steve Stone missed following positive tests.
Burnley have played only 17 Premier League games, the fewest of any English top-flight team so far this season, and are bottom of the table, three points shy of 17th-placed Watford.
In all, 21 Premier League games have been postponed this campaign due to Covid cases.
jdg/pb
.
J.Bergmann--BTB