OXFORD United’s Boxing Day clash at Fratton Park has been postponed.

Portsmouth informed the EFL that it would be unable to fulfil the fixture due to a number of positive Covid-19 cases in their squad.

A U’s statement read: “In light of the increased transmission rate of the Omicron variant, the EFL will now review the circumstances surrounding the postponement.

“In addition, it will assist affected clubs throughout this challenging period to help them mitigate against the risk of infection amongst players and staff, while ensuring their obligations to the EFL regulations are maintained.

“A rearranged date for the fixture will be confirmed in due course.”

The fixture is United’s second postponement this season due to Covid, following the cancellation of the trip to Wigan Athletic last month.

There is currently no indication the next two games at home to AFC Wimbledon and Cheltenham Town will be called off.

United have suffered positive cases in the squad in recent weeks, and both the U’s and Pompey have been testing daily under new EFL guidance issued to clubs on Thursday.

Portsmouth have been forced to call off matches with AFC Wimbledon and Exeter City in the last week, following an outbreak at the south coast club.

Speaking to Portsmouth News earlier today, the club’s chief executive Andy Cullen revealed ‘a significant number’ of the squad is isolating.

In addition to United’s match at Portsmouth, 10 other Football League games on Boxing Day have already been called off due to coronavirus, including Morecambe’s trip to Bolton Wanderers in Sky Bet League One.

As of Thursday, all 72 Football League clubs have been required to implement enhanced ‘red protocols’ for first team training sessions.

Social distancing measures are required outside of physical sessions, along with restrictions to the use of indoor facilities and group travel.

Guidance on fixtures was also given, with clubs expected to play when 14 players, including a goalkeeper from the registered squad list, are available.

When a club states it cannot fulfil a fixture, a report is filed with the EFL, and the circumstances reviewed.