Chelsea's proposed Premier League clash with Arsenal on February 12 will likely have to be rearranged due to the Blues' FIFA Club World Cup commitments.
The European champions are set to jet off to the United Arab Emirates for next year's Club World Cup, which has been scheduled for February 3 to February 12.
As a result, Thomas Tuchel's side will be forced into a schedule change for their London derby with Arsenal, while their meeting with Brighton & Hove Albion on February 8 will also need to be rearranged.
The fourth round of the FA Cup also takes place when Chelsea are due to compete in the Club World Cup, and Tuchel's side will have nearly a month-long gap in between their top-flight fixtures.
Chelsea are set to take on Tottenham Hotspur on January 23 before the international break and Club World Cup, while Crystal Palace lie in wait on February 19.
Romelu Lukaku and Reece James both struck as Chelsea saw off Arsenal 2-0 at the Emirates back in August, but the Gunners are unbeaten in their last two trips to Stamford Bridge.
Ben Knapton
