Bristol Rovers have had a third game in succession called off with COVID-19 cases continuing to affect the squad, the club confirmed on Monday.
Wednesday's trip to Broadfield Stadium to face Crawley Town has been postponed with Rovers unable to field the minimum 14 players, including a goalkeeper, required by EFL rules due to the virus.
Both clubs had their past two games postponed due to outbreaks of the virus in their respective squads, with Rovers' fixtures against Scunthorpe United and Sutton United also needing to be rescheduled.
The result is likely to be a taxing schedule for Joey Barton and his players in the second half of the season, with the rest of the EFL in the same situation as clubs vie to fit in the games they have been forced to postpone over the festive period due to COVID.
A Rovers spokesman said: "The club has worked hard to ensure that it has been able to fulfil the fixture. However, taking into account the injuries and positive COVID-19 cases with the squad, the club does not have a sufficient number of players available in order to fulfil the fixture.
"The health and safety of our players, staff and everyone who works at the club remains our top priority and we have informed the EFL that we will not be able to fulfil our fixture against Crawley Town.
"The club would like to apologise to fans once again for the postponement of a third league fixture in a month. A rearranged date for the fixture will be confirmed in due course.
"Ticket refunds for this game will be available. Fans who have already purchased tickets ahead of this Wednesday's game will be able to use their tickets for the rearranged date.
"The club would also like to thank Crawley Town for their understanding in this difficult situation."
Should Rovers' trip to Leyton Orient go ahead as planned on New Year's Day, the Gas will not have played in 21 days – a problem many EFL clubs are facing.
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