Soccer

North London derby postponed due to availability issues in Arsenal squad

Mikel Arteta left with just 12 fit outfielders after injuries, Covid and AFCON wreak havoc

Thursday’s Carabao Cup game has contributed to Arsenal having only 12 fit outfielders ahead of Sunday’s North London derby. Photograph: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Sat Jan 15 2022 - 14:32

Arsenal have announced the postponement of Sunday’s North London derby as Covid, injuries and the Africa Cup of Nations have taken their toll on their squad.

Following Thursday’s Carabao Cup draw against Liverpool, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta admitted that the Spurs clash was at risk due to player unavailability.

Both Bukayo Saka and Cedric Soares were added to the injured list following the 0-0 draw in Anfield, while Norweigian midfielder Martin Odegaard was ruled out before the game by a positive Covid test.

Fellow midfielders Mohamed Elneny and Thomas Partey are currently away on Africa Cup of Nations duty while it is believed that Calum Chambers and Kieran Tierney are also carrying knocks. Ainsley Maitland-Niles was recently loaned to Roma.

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Premier League rules require teams to fulfil a fixture if they have 13 outfielders and one goalkeeper available. Arteta only has 12 outfield players available, and it appears that as a result Arsenal have had a request to postpone accepted.