Chelsea’s Premier League clash against Liverpool on Sunday afternoon is in major doubt ahead of the Queen’s state funeral, according to reports.
Following the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II last Thursday, the funeral will be held on Monday 19th September in the capital.
It saw Chelsea’s Premier League game at Fulham on Saturday postponed as a mark of respect and honour to the 96-year-old.
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Chelsea’s game in midweek against FC Salzburg in the Champions League on Wednesday night at Stamford Bridge is set to take place after UEFA were satisfied with the security in place to host the match.
However, as per The Telegraph, Chelsea’s game against Liverpool in west London on Sunday is the game most at risk of being postponed.
Talks have intensified between police, officials and the clubs, with Premier League clubs hoping for a decision on Monday.
There are fears over a lack of police officers being available due to the Queen’s funeral and the sheer volume of people in the capital over the weekend.
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Arsenal saw their Europa League clash against PSV at the Emirates on Thursday evening called off due to ‘insufficient deployment of police personnel’.
A statement from the Dutch side read: “The Arsenal - PSV match is still postponed.
"UEFA reported this to PSV on Monday afternoon. Last weekend it seemed that the game would be played next Thursday, but the national authorities in Great Britain have decided that insufficient deployment of police personnel is possible due to the funeral services of the British Queen Elizabeth in London.”
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A statement from UEFA added: "UEFA today announced that the UEFA Europa League tie between Arsenal FC and PSV Eindhoven, originally to be played on Thursday 15th September, has been postponed with a new date to be communicated in due course.
"This is due to the severe limitations on police resources and organisational issues related to the ongoing events surrounding the national mourning for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II."
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If Chelsea's game against Liverpool is postponed, it will mean their first league game will come after the international break at Selhurst Park against Crystal Palace.
Graham Potter was hoping for a quick turnaround for his opening league game since being appoints Chelsea's new head coach last week, but he could have several weeks to prepare his side for his first league encounter - a London derby.
Topics: Chelsea, Liverpool, Premier League
Matthew Debono