Manchester City and West Ham could be forced to end their winter break early to play their postponed Premier League game.
Mirror Sport understands the most likely date for the rescheduled match is next Wednesday, February 19, although discussions are ongoing with no consensus reached as yet.
It is the latest hurdle in the increasingly fraught bid to ensure top-flight players get some time off with the European Championship at the end of the season.
City’s players are already away on their holidays while Hammers boss David Moyes has given his men a five-day break with most of them having also jetted off. They are due to return to training on Saturday, ruling out a game next weekend.
The FA Cup Fourth Round replays were controversially played last week and a game next Wednesday would have to take place on a Champions League night, something that has happened before.
Sunday’s Etihad clash between City and West Ham was called off on safety grounds after heavy rain and severe gales wreaked havoc across the UK.
The Premier League are working hard to accommodate both clubs but City boss Pep Guardiola is already facing a fixture pile-up.
The defending champions are in the FA Cup, Carabao Cup and the Champions League.
Their home game against Arsenal on March 1 has already been moved because of their Carabao Cup Final showdown that day against Aston Villa at Wembley.
It leaves next week as the only window available but both clubs are understood to be unwilling to deprive their stars of the down time already being enjoyed by others.
It also comes with the Premier League having stated previously they expect clubs not to arrange competitive or friendly fixtures during their winter break.
Champions City have 51 points from 25 matches, 22 points behind leaders Liverpool. West Ham are in 18th place with 24 points.
