Will there be a Premier League circuit breaker, will Spurs v Liverpool be on, why is Everton v Leicester off?

The Premier League has been hit hard by the rising number of Covid-19 cases as clubs battle to contain outbreaks.

The new Omicron strain, which is currently ripping through the UK, means the top flight has too felt the impact.

Cases in the Premier League are at an all-time high, with both Everton and Liverpool being affected in different ways.

It means there are now some calls for there to be a “circuit breaker” of fixtures to help quell the spread in the top flight.

Here’s all you need to know about the current situation at both Merseyside teams.

Who has tested positive for Covid at Everton?

There are no confirmed Covid cases at Goodison Park so far.

However, the Toffees were missing four players in their 1-1 draw at Chelsea last night who were not confirmed absentees in the build-up.

They were Demarai Gray, Fabian Delph, Salomon Rondon and Cenk Tosun.

Lucas Digne also missed the encounter because of illness, although it’s not been confirmed whether he has coronavirus.

Who has tested positive for Covid at Liverpool?

Virgil van Dijk, Fabinho and Curtis Jones all tested positive on arrival at Anfield ahead of Liverpool's 3-1 victory over Newcastle on Thursday.

The trio are now following protocol and are in isolation.

Have Everton had any fixtures cancelled?

Yes. Their clash against Leicester City at Goodison Park on Sunday has already been postponed.

That is because of a Covid outbreak in the Foxes camp which has increased.

Have Liverpool had any fixtures cancelled?

No. However, the Reds are due to travel to Tottenham on Sunday. Spurs have had their past three matches against Rennes, Brighton and Leicester cancelled.

They won't want another rearranged.

What has Everton boss Rafa Benitez said?

We have to be sure the priority is the health of the people so we can be an example for a lot of people because the virus is there and is spreading very quickly.

We have to protect people, that has to be the priority.

What has Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said?

We are completely normal people and concerned about what's going on around the world.

So far, football has kept it pretty much outside with the testing regimes we had and massive disciplinary things which the boys did really well.

But obviously this time it's really difficult. All my boys are double vaccinated, some boosted, but you can still get it. Some scientists have said you get through it without real struggles and that's the most important thing, by the way.

Players and people's welfare is the most important thing. I know Thomas Frank says he thinks it'd be right to stop the league. I don't see the massive benefit in it because we come back and it's still the same.

If the virus would be gone then I'm the first to go home and wait until it's gone but that's probably not the case.

We hope we can play and Tottenham can play.

With the fixtures, we have to be more flexible.

Will there be a Premier League circuit breaker?

Brentford manager Thomas Frank has called for the Premier League to enforce a “circuit breaker” this weekend and cancel all fixtures. In total, there are 13 cases at the London club.

As things stand, only five Premier League fixtures will go ahead.

Games already postponed are Manchester United v Brighton, Southampton v Brentford, Watford v Crystal Palace and West Ham United v Norwich City.

But the Premier League insists they plan for matches to continue.

A statement said: “While recognising a number of clubs are experiencing Covid-19 outbreaks, it is the league’s intention to continue its current fixture schedule where safely possible.

“The health and wellbeing of all concerned remains our priority.”