Covid-hit Chelsea were held to a goalless draw by Wolves on Sunday after the Premier League rejected their request to postpone the game as Manchester City put struggling Newcastle to the sword.
Just four games were left on the schedule this weekend out of the original 10 as Britain’s worsening coronavirus crisis took its toll on the English top flight.
Clubs will meet on Monday to discuss what action to take, with growing questions over the integrity of the competition as the busy festive period looms.
Stumbling Chelsea, who have struggled with illness and injuries in recent weeks, were only able to name four outfield players on the bench for their match at Molineux.
The visitors, who have now won just two of their past six league games, enjoyed the bulk of possession but mustered just one shot on target and are now six points behind leaders City.
Thomas Tuchel was without Romelu Lukaku, Timo Werner, and Callum Hudson-Odoi, who have all tested positive for Covid-19. Jorginho, Kai Havertz, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek were also not in the squad.
Chelsea earlier confirmed that their request to have the game called off been turned down.
The European champions’ appeal is understood to have been rejected because the Blues were deemed to have had enough players to fulfil the fixture.
“I gave my opinion and you can do with it what you want,” a frustrated Tuchel told the BBC after the match. “I can’t compare to other games, it is just our situation.
“It is not safe. We talk about protecting players and a safe environment but it is not safe. I would not be surprised if the next test shows up and we have more positives
