The Gunners claimed they requested a postponement "reluctantly" and were "disappointed" that the game had to be called off.
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Arsenal‘s match against Tottenham in the north London derby on Sunday has been postponed due to a lack of available players. Arsenal’s request to have the game called off was accepted by the Premier League. This is the 21st top-flight match to be postponed due to Covid this season. A club must play a game if they have 13 outfield players and one goalkeeper available, according to Premier League rules.
“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,” said the Premier League.
Thomas Partey, Mohamed Elneny, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Nicolas Pepe are all on Cup of Nations duty for Arsenal, while Cedric Soares, Bukayo Saka, and Caldric Chambers were all injured in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg tie against Liverpool on Thursday. Granit Xhaka has also been suspended following his red card in the first half against Anfield, while Martin Odegaard was unable to play due to sickness.
The Gunners claimed they requested a postponement “reluctantly” and were “disappointed” that the game had to be called off. After Burnley’s game against Leicester City was called off on Friday due to Covid-19 and injuries in the Clarets camp, this is the second Premier League game scheduled for this weekend to be postponed.
The Premier League said: “All clubs are able to apply for a postponement if Covid-19 infections are a factor in their request. 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,” it added.
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