Everton’s game with Leicester City has been postponed for a second time.
Tuesday’s Goodison Park clash was rescheduled after the visitors asked for last month’s original meeting to be deferred due to a coronavirus outbreak.
However the Foxes again requested the Premier League call off the game due to injuries, Covid-19 cases and players involved in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Brendan Rodgers revealed after his side’s FA Cup third round win over Watford that they were already considering asking for another postponement.
“We’ve been stretched in terms of numbers and for the integrity of the competition we’ll assess where we’re at,” he said at the time.
“You saw the squad and the team we had against Watford so we have to see where we are in terms of players and take it from there.”
On Sunday evening, the Premier League confirmed that they had granted Leicester’s request to put their game with the Blues on hold yet again.
A statement read: “The board was able to make its decision in advance of the fixture to give clarity to the affected clubs and their fans.
“We apologise for the inconvenience and disruption caused to supporters who planned on attending and watching the game, and we are aware that postponements will disappoint fans.
“The league aims to provide as much clarity as possible, but unfortunately postponements sometimes have to be made at short notice, as safety is our priority.
“Where possible, the league will endeavour to keep supporters updated if games become at risk on a matchday.
“The board assesses applications to postpone matches on a case-by-case basis, based on existing rules and adapted Covid-19 postponement guidance, implemented in light of the new Omicron variant.”
Everton, meanwhile, have been handed a home tie against Brentford in the FA Cup’s fourth round after they edged out Championship outfit Hull City.
Rafael Benitez’s side required a long-range strike from Andros Townsend in extra time to progress at the MKM Stadium after being held to a 2-2 draw.