Burnley's Joey Barton free to face Liverpool after betting case adjourned

Joey Barton could face Liverpool on Sunday after the Football Association was forced to postpone his gambling disciplinary hearing due to the ill health of a chief investigator.

Barton accepted a misconduct charge last month over accusations he placed 1260 bets on football over the past decade - with many expecting confirmation on Wednesday of a possible lengthy ban.

Live Nissan Super Sunday

However, Sky Sports News HQ understands that the FA's chief investigator into the Barton case is on sick leave - and the case scheduled for Wednesday morning has been adjourned to a future date.

Representatives from Burnley were in West London last night, but are today heading back to the North West now the postponement has been confirmed.

Barton - a well-known Everton supporter - will now hope he can shake off a slight hamstring strain in time to take his place in Burnley's midfield at Anfield on Nissan Super Sunday.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player