Arsenal's Europa League opponents Rennes have been handed a boost after the LFP agreed to postpone a Ligue 1 match to allow them to prepare for their last-16 clash.
The Gunners will travel to France for the first leg of the second knockout round on March 7, having originally been drawn at home after Uefa switched the venues due to a clash with Chelsea.
But their opponents will been given more time to recuperate after the League de Football Professionnel (LFP) decided to move their fixture with Nimes Olympique.
The Ligue 1 outfit were scheduled to face Nimes on March 2, some five days before the Europa League match at Roazhon Park. However, that game will now take place at a future date.
It means that Rennes, who are currently ninth in the Ligue 1 standings, will be able to enjoy a eight-day break between their Coupe de France fixture against Orleans and the home tie against Unai Emery's side.
Arsenal, meanwhile, will play out a crucial north London derby against Tottenham on Saturday lunchtime, with just a five-day gap between the two fixtures.
It remains to be seen whether the LFP will also grant Rennes a postponement ahead of the second leg, with a league game against Caen sandwiched between the two Europa League last-16 encounters.
The LFP said in a statement: "In order to allow Stade Rennais to prepare in the best possible conditions its double confrontation against Arsenal in the knockout stages of the Europa League, the bureau of the LFP has accepted the request of the club to postpone the match."
Arsenal are facing a congested schedule after the first leg, with their crucial clash against Manchester United taking place less than 72 hours after their trip across the Channel.
