Salford Red Devils have cancelled Sunday’s Super League fixture against Wakefield Trinity due to a shortage of available players.

The club said in a statement released on Friday evening that they had made the decision amid “significant concerns regarding player welfare”, with only two senior players available for the home fixture along with 15 academy products.

Salford’s financial turmoil has resulted in major uncertainty over the club’s future, with late wage payments, a mass exodus of players and 19 losses in 21 Super League games combining to create a bleak picture.

Although the club insist the decision is a one-off, the move will inevitably raise concerns over their ability to complete the season, with five more rounds remaining.

The club statement said: “The Round 22 Betfred Super League fixture between Salford Red Devils and Wakefield Trinity which was scheduled for Sunday has been cancelled.

“The club have reluctantly taken this decision as there were significant concerns regarding player welfare and have been in consultation with the Rugby Football League, RL Commercial and Rugby League Cares.

The RFL says the outcome of the cancelled fixture will be determined early next week, with a victory for Wakefield appearing to be the obvious outcome.

According to a precedent set last month when Warrington women forfeited their match against St Helens, Wakefield would duly be awarded a 48-0 victory.

The move is the latest development in a shocking season for Salford, who have seen an exodus of key players in recent weeks due to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the financial position of the new owners.

A consortium led by businessman Dario Berta bought the club on the eve of the season in February, but they have failed to stabilise Salford’s situation.

The ownership group said earlier this week that the club “will not close” despite their struggles, but fans had planned a protest at the stadium ahead of the Wakefield fixture.

Salford have increasingly been forced to blood youth and academy players this season despite being given special dispensation to sign loan players in recent weeks, including in last week’s 80-6 defeat at Hull FC.

The club’s statement continued: “Of the 17 available for Sunday’s fixture, there are only two senior players who have featured at Super League level over the last 12 months, with Academy products making up the rest of the current playing squad.

“Eleven members of the first-grade team are currently injured – although a number of those are expected to be available for Salford’s next scheduled fixture against Leigh Leopards.

“The club has been fortunate to take on a number of loan players from opposing Super League teams over the course of the season and their efforts in helping us during these testing times has been greatly appreciated.

“If you’re a season or match ticket holder, or have purchased hospitality for this fixture, we will contact you via the email address given at the point of purchase with further updates.

“This decision wasn’t taken lightly; we apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused.”

The group that had planned the protest, The 1873, said it will go ahead on Sunday despite the match having been cancelled.

A statement posted by The 1873 on social media said: “The club may have cancelled the game but our cause is not so easily put aside.

“The issues that brought us together – remain urgent and unresolved. The protest is not dependent on the playing of the match and we confirm this WILL continue as planned.”