TOTTENHAM will have to wait for their London derby clash with Arsenal after the match was called off.
Spurs were left fuming when the Premier League announced the cancellation on Saturday.
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Why was Tottenham vs Arsenal postponed?
Tottenham vs Arsenal was postponed following a request from Arsenal.
The Premier League accepted the request on the grounds of a mixture of injuries, suspensions and Covid preventing them from naming a 14-man squad.
A lengthy Premier League statement read: “Following a request from Arsenal FC, the Premier League Board met today and regrettably agreed to postpone the club’s away fixture against Tottenham Hotspur, due to be played at 4:30pm on Sunday 16 January.
“With Arsenal having fewer than the required number of players available for the match (13 outfield players and one goalkeeper), the Board accepted the club’s application.
“The decision is a result of a combination of COVID-19, existing and recent injuries and players on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.
“All clubs are able to apply for a postponement if COVID-19 infections are a factor in their request.
“The League apologises for the inconvenience and disruption caused to supporters who would have attended or watched the game – we are fully aware that postponements disappoint clubs and fans.
“The League aims to provide as much clarity as possible, but unfortunately postponements sometimes have to be made at short notice, as safety is our priority.
“Where possible, the League will endeavour to keep supporters updated if games become at risk.
“The Premier League’s postponement rules are designed to protect the wellbeing of players and staff, while maintaining the sporting integrity of the competition.
“Club requests are assessed on a case-by-case basis, based on existing rules and adapted COVID-19 postponement guidance, implemented in light of the Omicron variant.
“The Board examines a number of factors, including the ability of a club to field a team; the status, severity and potential impact of COVID-19; and the ability of the players to safely prepare for and play the match.
“The detail within all applications is scrutinised by the League’s specialist staff before the Board makes its decision.“
When will Tottenham vs Arsenal be played now?
There are no rules on when a new date should be found for Premier League fixtures.
However, they typically take place in the next available midweek slot after the postponement.
No Premier League games are allowed to be played during the winter break, which begins on January 23 and ends on February 7.
The next date in which both teams are free to play is the week commencing Monday, February 20.
But this week also sees the return of European football.
Neither Arsenal or Spurs will be involved in Europe this spring and Uefa have signalled that they are willing to accommodate Covid postponements.
However, in the past they have ordered that domestic fixtures do not clash with European games.
If they chose to do that this time around, that would potentially mean an early kick-off at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with the game needing to be finished by 8pm.
