Everton’s Boxing Day trip to Burnley has been called off due to a coronavirus outbreak and injuries.

The Toffees’ initial request to postpone the game was declined by the Premier League — but they have accepted a second plea from the club.

It is the third Boxing Day clash to be scrapped after Liverpool's home match with Leeds and Watford’s trip to Wolves were both cancelled yesterday.

Prior to his side's fixture being postponed, Everton boss Rafa Benitez had made an impassioned call for it to be rescheduled. 

He said: "We have six injuries and five players with coronavirus. I am really surprised we are playing this game.

"It is a difficult situation. When you talk about what is going on and the number of coronavirus cases in the country, we will have more and more every day.

"I don’t know the conditions of every club. 

"I know our situation, we have six injuries, five players with coronavirus and now we have to pick players who have been out for a while or young players. 

We have to take a risk putting them on the pitch and possibly in different positions.

"It will not be easy and I think it is not fair.

"What teams around Burnley and around us [in the Premier League table] will think in terms of the integrity of the league, I don’t know. Clearly, in this case, it is a surprise we have to play this game."

Less than 24 hours after the Spaniard made his feelings known, the Premier League granted his wish.

An official statement said: "The Premier League board has this morning regrettably approved Everton’s request to postpone their Boxing Day away fixture at Burnley.

"The board reviewed the club’s request today to postpone the match following further injuries to their squad. 

"They concluded that the club will not be able to fulfil their fixture this weekend as a result of an insufficient number of players available to play due to coronavirus cases and injuries.

"The board this morning was able to make its decision in advance of Boxing Day to give clarity to clubs and their fans. We apologise for the inconvenience and disruption caused to those supporters’ festive plans.

"We are aware the decisions this week to postpone three matches on Boxing Day will disappoint supporters and understand their frustrations at a special time of year when fans look forward to attending and watching football games."

As well as the three top-flight games, a further 20 EFL games have been postponed due to coronavirus outbreaks as the Omicron variant sweeps the country.