Arsenal's fixture schedule just became a lot more difficult after the venues for their Europa League ties against Benfica were changed.
The Gunners' return to continental action next week as they aim to continue the 100% record they boast following a comfortable progression from the group stages.
With their Premier League form staggering to a halt following back-to-back defeats to Wolves and Aston Villa, marred by defensive errors, European football may provide Mikel Arteta with a welcome distraction.
However, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be felt as restrictions imposed by the UK government have led to changes.
Portugal is currently on the UK's red-list, the only European nation under such restrictions, and travellers from the country are banned.
As such, both legs of the Round of 32 tie will be played at neutral venues with Roma's Olympic Stadium hosting the first leg and the reverse fixture taking place in Athens.
With an already-packed fixture schedule to contend with, Arsenal face a travel nightmare with over 6,000 miles to travel over the course of just 11 days.
The Gunners have an over 2,500 mile round-trip to Rome next Thursday, then hosting Premier League leaders Manchester City on the following Sunday.
Four days later, Arsenal play in Greece, handing Arteta's side a round-trip that is just under 4,000 miles instead of hosting the game at the Emirates Stadium.
The 202 mile round-trip Arsenal then face to tackle high-flying Leicester City may pale in comparison but it gives the Gunners a significant headache in what is already a difficult period.
