Chelsea and Arsenal's pre-season games in America have been delayed due to bad weather.
The Blues are due to be playing Charlotte at the Bank of America Stadium in North Carolina, while the Gunners are set to face Orlando City at the 25,500-capacity Exploria Stadium in Florida. Both Thomas Tuchel and Mikel Arteta will be hoping to continue what has already been a fine pre-season ahead of the Premier League opener in just over two weeks.
However, their preparations have hit somewhat of a snag. Both games were due to kick-off at 12:30am UK time on Thursday, June 21 but have been delayed due to a lightning storm.
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Chelsea have confirmed that the kick-off time has been delayed in Charlotte due to "severe weather conditions around the stadium".
The statement reads: "Severe weather conditions around the stadium force a late start to Chelsea's game vs Charlotte. The match was due to kick off at 7.30pm local time, 12.30am UK time. A new start time will be advised."
Charlotte FC said in a statement: "Severe weather and lightning remains in the area and shelter in place is still in effect. Gates are still closed. We will provide further updates when available."
In Orlando, where Arsenal are due to play their fourth pre-season game, the weather is not much better. The game has so far been delayed to 1:45am UK time. "We’re now set for an 8.45pm (ET) start," Arsenal said.
Orlando City added: "We are currently under a brief delay with inclement weather in the area. If there are no more delays the bowl will reopen at 7:15 PM, warmups at 7:25 PM and kickoff at 8:15 PM."
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