Arsenal are going to take on Vorskla in the Europa League on Thursday and the match has been hit with a number of problems.
The first major problem that the travelling club are facing is the current political tensions in Ukraine as the president of the country has imposed martial law due to growing tensions with Russia.
This move was triggered after the Russian capture of three Ukrainian vessels off the coast of Crimea on Sunday.
Following this news, many wanted the game between Vorksla and Arsenal to be postponed but UEFA have made it clear that the match will go on as scheduled since all the necessary security measures have been taken to ensure the safety of everyone involved in the game.
According to a report in the Sunday Morning Herald, “Around 500 Arsenal fans could make the trip and the FCO has urged them to ‘be aware of the current political situation and avoid any action or chanting that could provoke a hostile reaction’.”
Another big reason why the match has been in the limelight is due to the possible playing conditions in Poltava.
The day Arsenal are scheduled to take on Vorskla, temperatures are expected to plummet to -13 degrees Celcius.
And due to heavy snow during the past week, the conditions of the pitch are not particularly suitable for playing either.
Take a look:
Сезон триває, хоч погода й не дуже сприяє… 🌨️☔️
Готуємо #СтадіонВорскла до матчу з #Арсенал'ом #London, який відбується цього четверга!We are preparing the #VorsklaButovskyiStadium for the match with @Arsenal! 🚧#FCVP #Poltava #prepearing #Полтава #ЛігаЄвропи #volunteers pic.twitter.com/EFnUNiT6vg
— ФК Ворскла (@vorsklacomua) November 25, 2018
But reports suggest that UEFA are working closely with Vorskla in order to get the ground ready before Arsenal visit town due to which the governing body of football does not have any plans of rescheduling the match.
Unai Emery’s men take on Tottenham Hotspur in the London Derby just three days after they play Vorskla and many believe that since the Gunners have already secured qualification to the next round of the Europa League, Unai Emery might travel to Ukraine with a second string side.
Read: Arsenal receive a huge injury boost right before they take on Spurs in the London Derby.
Read: Is this why Unai Emery did not bring in Mesut Ozil against Bournemouth last weekend?
Read: Arsenal are soon to be hit by the curse of playing in the Europa League.
