Everton v Newcastle United: Premier League fixture postponed after positive Covid-19 cases and injuries

Newcastle United’s Premier League fixture at Everton on Thursday evening has been postponed at the Magpies’ request.

Positive Covid-19 cases and injuries have ripped through Eddie Howe’s first-team squad in recent days.

For the 1-1 draw with Manchester United, Howe made six changes - the likes of Ciaran Clark, Matt Ritchie, Joe Willock and Karl Darlow were absent from the matchday squad.

Paul Dummett (calf), Federico Fernandez (thigh) and Jamal Lewis (hamstring) had been ruled out prior to kick-off through injury.

United were forced to name goalkeepers Freddie Woodman and Mark Gillespie on an eight-man bench, instead of nine.

Indeed, the club’s injury list increased after the Man United encounter with Callum Wilson, Allan Saint-Maximin and Ryan Fraser forced off.

With Howe light of bodies, a request to have the visit to Goodison Park postponed was accepted by the Premier League.

Newcastle United club statement

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 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.

When will Newcastle play next?

Newcastle are scheduled to visit Southampton on January 2.

However, there are no guarantees that will go ahead given the current situation surrounding the Magpies.