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WSL CRISIS

Birmingham axe Man City match due to waterlogged pitch while Chelsea & West Ham scrap games after coronavirus cases rise

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BIRMINGHAM CITY were forced to scrap their league tie with Manchester City today due to a waterlogged pitch at Damson Park.

The two sides were due to kick off at 2pm at the Blues' home ground but the clash will now be postponed until a later date.

Birmingham City were forced to axe their match with Man City due to a waterlogged pitch at Damson Park
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Birmingham City were forced to axe their match with Man City due to a waterlogged pitch at Damson ParkCredit: Alamy Live News

The axed fixture has been added to the growing list of casualties in the WSL this weekend.

Only two matches will still go ahead, with Arsenal taking on Everton while Manchester United host rockbottom Bristol City.

West Ham called off their game with Aston Villa due to a surge in coronavirus cases.

And Chelsea cancelled their home tie with Tottenham after a rise in positive Covid-19 tests among the women's side.

Those affected immediately began a period of self-isolation in accordance with Government guidelines.

The women share the Cobham training base with the men's side and the academy squad - which have reportedly not been effected by the outbreak.

The women use different facilities at the Surrey hub and a separate canteen to Frank Lampard's side.

In a statement,  said: "The health and safety of our players and support staff remain paramount.

"The women’s squad will now begin their winter break, returning to training in the New Year.

"A revised date for the match will be confirmed in due course."

The Blues will now have to wait until January 10 for their next game, when they will travel to Reading for a league tie.

Chelsea's game with Spurs could have been the last chance for WSL fans to see USA superstar Alex Morgan in action.

She arrived at the North London outfit on a short-term loan deal until January 1 from Orlando Pride.

The WSL is now the destination for many elite American players in search of regular minutes in a bid to win a place in the US squad for the delayed Tokyo Olympics.

But there is huge doubt over whether she will extend her contract,

And Pride boss Marc Skinner reportedly hopes she will return in time to join his side next spring for preseason ahead of the 2021 NWSL season.

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