Arsenal’s Europa League away tie with Benfica relocated to Rome

The second leg, scheduled to take place at the Emirates Stadium, could also prove problematic

Benfica forward Franco Cervi at the club’s Luz stadium (AFP via Getty Images)

The first leg of Arsenal's Europa League last-32 tie with Benfica will be played in Rome, the PA news agency understands.

The UK is implementing strict coronavirus quarantine rules around people returning from Portugal, which has forced the 18 February match to be moved from Lisbon to neutral territory.

Portugal is on a "red list" of countries drawn up by the UK government.

The home leg will also be an issue the following week, with Benfica barred from entering the country. No decision has yet been taken on a venue for that match.

The first legs of Liverpool and Manchester City's Champions League ties against RB Leipzig and Borussia Monchengladbach have been moved to Budapest.

PA