BURNLEY'S Premier League match against Leicester on Saturday has been postponed, with the Clarets having an insufficient number of players to fulfil the fixture.

The Premier League accepted a request lodged by Burnley, who were already without several players through Covid-19, injuries and Maxwel Cornet’s absence at the Africa Cup of Nations prior to the enforced sale of Chris Wood to relegation rivals Newcastle this week.

A league statement read: “The Premier League Board accepted Burnley’s application as the club does not have the required number of players available for the match (13 outfield players and one goalkeeper), due to COVID-19 cases and injuries.”

It is the fourth Burnley match this season to be postponed due to Covid, but the first time the request has come from the Turf Moor club.

The Clarets saw three consecutive matches – against Watford, Aston Villa and Everton – postponed last month due to Covid-19 cases within the opposition camps, while November’s fixture against Tottenham was called off at short notice due to heavy snow.

Sean Dyche's men have played 17 league games this season, the fewest of any side in the top flight, and now have four matches to reschedule.

Burnley were without seven players due to Covid-19 during last weekend’s 2-1 FA Cup loss to Championship side Huddersfield, a match that was also missed by manager Dyche as assistant Ian Woan took charge on the day.

The Clarets are scheduled to face relegation rivals Watford at Turf Moor on Tuesday night (KO 7:30pm).