Talksport
Rafa Benitez has revealed Everton’s request to have their Boxing Day clash against Burnley postponed was denied by the Premier League, despite having just nine outfield players available.
Benitez faced the media on Thursday ahead of their festive fixture and made the revelations that the Toffees have only 11 players unavailable.
Five are isolating due to coronavirus, while six players are out through injury, leaving them severely depleted.
But the Premier League are so far planning to make Everton fulfil the fixture, despite granting similar requests from other teams.
Leeds vs Liverpool and Wolves vs Watford have already been postponed on Boxing Day.
At a pre-match press conference, Benitez said: “Now I have to think whether I have 11 fit. I’m really surprised we are playing this game.”
Everton drew 1-1 with Chelsea on December 16, despite having four players return positive results through PCR tests, before another was added to that tally.
“Burnley is totally different than Chelsea,” Benitez added.
“The reality is that we have to deal with a difficult situation. We have to wait until tomorrow, the day after, for injuries and covid and see which players are available.
“My main job now is to have 11 players who can compete in the right positions…
