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Arsenal to play both legs of Europa League tie against Benfica at neutral venues in Rome and Athens

 (UEFA via Getty Images)
(UEFA via Getty Images)

Arsenal will play both legs of their last-32 Europa League tie with Benfica in neutral countries due to travel restrictions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The matches had been due to take place in England and Portugal, but will now be played in Italy and Greece instead.

The first leg of the tie will now be played in Rome at the Stadio Olimpico on February 18 at 8pm.

The second leg - Arsenal’s ‘home’ fixture - will be played at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium in Athens, Olympiacos' stadium, on February 25. The kick-off time has not been confirmed yet.

Uefa has stated that in the event of a draw over two legs, away goals will still count double.

Portugal is on the UK’s ‘red list’, which means those arriving from the courtly must isolate for 10 days and there are no exemptions for elite athletes.

That has caused issues for Arsenal’s last-32 Europa League tie with Benfica as the first leg was due to take place in Lisbon on February 18 and the second in London on February 25.

Arsenal’s travelling squad and staff, however, would have needed to quarantine after returning from the first leg in Portugal.

That would have caused issues for their Premier League game that weekend, against Man City on February 21, as well as the second leg with Benfica on February 25.

Uefa said: "UEFA would like to express its gratitude to SL Benfica and Arsenal FC for their support and close cooperation, as well as the Italian Football Federation and AS Roma for their assistance and agreeing to stage the match."

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