Arsenal have announced that fans will be allowed back into the Emirates for the first time in almost nine months when they take on Rapid Vienna.
The Gunners host the Austrian side in the Europa League in north London on December 3 - the day after the lockdown ends.
It has been announced that stadiums can welcome 2000 fans provided they have Tier 2 status, which Arsenal do.
As such the north Londoners will be opening sections of the Emirates.
The maximum numbers means that the Gunners' stadium will be operating at just over 3 per cent its capacity.
Fans who attend will remain socially distanced even if they arrive with members of their own household as per UEFA regulations.
Tickets for the European clash will be sold on a priority “first come, first served” basis with a ballot system to be used beyond that.
Arsenal's first Premier League game with fans present will be against Burnley on the weekend of December 12.
Supporters attending the Rapid Vienna contest will be required to complete an online health question and a track-and-trace form in line with government and Premier League guidelines.
Arsenal went on to say in a message on their website : "This has been a challenging time for everyone and we want to thank you for your support, patience and understanding.
"We can’t wait to welcome you back, even though it will be a small number of fans initially.
"This is an important step forward, but we are continuing to work with the Premier League and the UK Government to increase our attendances, which would also enable us to accommodate more fans in Emirates Stadium and open ticket access to more membership groups.
"Until this can be done, we appreciate the disappointment that many of you will feel if you miss out on attending games. "
Does having fans back in stadiums give teams an unfair advantage? Have your say here .
* Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip
