Why are there no Premier League games next weekend? Jan 29 and 30 games off
| Published date | 22 January 2022 |
| Publication title | Express, The/The Express on Sunday: Web Edition Articles (London, England) |
Originally, the rest period was introduced in the 2019-20 season after a number of managers had voiced concerns about player burnout and safety.
There was no Premier League winter break in 2020-21 owing to the compressed season caused by the COVID pandemic.
After Sunday the next league fixture to take place will be the rearranged match between Watford and Burnley .
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The rest window comes during a winter World Cup year, and while it has been ring-fenced by FIFA for international matches, European nations have not scheduled fixtures.
Due to earlier COVID fixture postponements, there will be a double round of matches in the South American , North and Central American , Asian and Oceanic confederations.
Consequently, the likes of Manchester City's Ederson and Gabriel Jesus will be off on international duty with Brazil, while Aston Villa’s Argentinian pair of Emiliano Martinez and Emiliano Buendia will also be representing their respective country.
A number of the Premier League’s African born contingent, including Mohamed Salah and Nicholas Pepe are also likely to be away during the window provided their national teams remain in the ongoing AFCON tournament.
The Premier League has said it has no plans to use the winter break as a time for clubs to catch up with postponed matches.
To date, a total of 22 top-flight games have been called off, largely because of a lack of available players due to the spike in COVID cases.
In the last week alone three games were cancelled including the North London derby between Tottenham and Arsenal.
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Under the current rules - set out by the Premier League - clubs that have fewer than 13 outfield players fit and able to play can apply for a postponement.
However, the league has said it will consult with its clubs over possible changes to the rules regarding match postponements.
In a statement, released...
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