Sunderland see another League One game postponed with Fleetwood Town clash off

Sunderland's clash with Fleetwood Town has been postponed.

The game, initially set to be played on Saturday, January 9, has been postponed after a COVID-19 outbreak in the Cod Army’s ranks.

A Sunderland club statement confirming the news said: “Earlier today, FTFC advised the EFL that it is unable to fulfil the fixture on Saturday 9 January following several positive Covid-19 tests and the requirement for players and staff to self-isolate as per EFL and government guidance.

“Everyone at SAFC sends their best wishes to Fleetwood for a safe and speedy recovery to all those who are affected.

“Details of a new date for the fixture will be confirmed in due course.”

Fleetwood’s game with Ipswich Town has also been postponed and as per EFL rules, the circumstances surrounding the postponements will be the subject of an investigation.

It is the fifth Sunderland game to be postponed in the last month, after the Black Cats’ clashes with Shrewsbury Town, Blackpool, Hull City and Accrington Stanley were all put on hold after an outbreak at the Academy of Light.

The Black Cats will therefore have a number of fixtures to rearrange in the second half of the season, while also taking into consideration potential progression in the Papa John’s Trophy.

But Sunderland’s game with Northampton Town this weekend is still set to go ahead.

The Black Cats squad are now back in training ahead of the game, after the Academy of Light was allowed to re-open following a ten-day closure.