The Premier League match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur has been postponed.
🚨 Our match against Tottenham on Sunday, January 16 has been postponed. #TOTARS
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 15, 2022
Mikel Arteta’s side requested the match be postponed due to a number of COVID-19 cases and injuries.
Arsenal were preparing to train at the Emirates ahead of the Spurs game, The Athletic reported earlier on Saturday, as they awaited a decision from the Premier League.
Arsenal’s second fixture has been postponed in less than a fortnight, following their Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Liverpool being postponed by a week. Liverpool, however, requested the postponement.
Arteta had indicated on Thursday, following the rescheduled Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Liverpool, that the Spurs game might be called off.
He is now down to 12 fit outfield players following additional absences following the goalless draw with Liverpool.
Cedric Soares and Bukayo Saka were injured during the game, and Calum Chambers and Kieran Tierney are also expected to be sidelined. Granit Xhaka was sent off in that game, ruling him out of Sunday’s derby.
Additionally, the club lost midfielder Martin Odegaard prior to kick-off due to a positive COVID-19 test.
Premier League rules require teams to fulfill fixtures if they have 14 players available to play — 13 outfield players and a goalkeeper.
