Tottenham’s derby at Arsenal in WSL postponed due to coronavirus

The north London derby in the Women’s Super League has been postponed due to a “significant” coronavirus outbreak in the Tottenham squad.

Spurs’ request for the game at Arsenal on Saturday to be called off was approved at a Football Association meeting on Friday morning and follows the midweek postponement of their visit to Chelsea.

A Spurs statement read: “Tottenham Hotspur Women can confirm that our Barclays FA Women’s Super League (WSL) fixture, on Saturday 26 March at 2.15pm, has been postponed following an FA meeting this morning (Friday).

“The club requested the match to be rearranged following a significant number of positive COVID-19 cases within the squad.

“The FA took the decision to postpone the game following guidance from medical advisers, with the health of players and staff the priority. The fixture will be rescheduled in due course.

“As with our other affected fixture, against Chelsea in the WSL, we shall update supporters with more information as soon as it is available.

“We should like to apologise to everyone at Arsenal and Chelsea and to both their supporters and ours for any inconvenience caused.

“We should also like to thank both clubs for their understanding during these challenging times.”

The fixture was due to take place at the Emirates Stadium and had been given top billing during the men’s international break, with the Gunners saying they are “disappointed”.

The game is the second north London derby of the season to be called off due to coronavirus, as Arsenal requested their Premier League clash with Spurs in January to be postponed despite just one confirmed case.

Aston Villa will aim to move further clear at the bottom as they welcome Reading.

Carla Ward’s side have lost their last three games, although they are still 12 points ahead of Birmingham, who look destined for relegation.

Reading are mid-table but have not won any of their last six games in all competitions.