Tottenham on Wednesday confirmed that their Premier League fixture against Manchester United, scheduled for January 13, will take place at Wembley.
Spurs had hoped to stage the game in their new £1billion stadium, but it remains unknown when the ground will open, even though the club hope top update supporters further after they receive an update from contractors in the week beginning January 7.
Attention will now turn to the Champions League, and whether Spurs will be able to host their last-16 tie in the competition in their new ground. Those matches will be played in mid-February.
A club statement read: "The past few months have been spent rectifying issues with the critical safety systems. We are pleased to report that progress has been steady and we are now into the integrated testing and commissioning phases that take place ahead of the application for a stadium safety certificate.
"Testing is being conducted both during the day and night and our contractors will continue to work during the Christmas period. Barring no further significant issues we should then be in a position to schedule Test Events.
"This does mean therefore that we need to confirm that our Premier League home game against Manchester United will take place at Wembley. We shall receive a status report from our contractors in the week commencing 7 January 2019 and will update you thereafter."
Daniel Levy added: “We are acutely conscious that we are asking fans to go to Wembley for far longer than any of us wanted to. However we are now seeing the progress that we needed to see.
“What I don’t want to do is set any firm dates until we have finally achieved a safety certificate. So many people tell me to look at other major schemes that run late and, whilst I know it happens often, we are still hugely frustrated.
“It is important, however, to recognise the sheer complexity of the scheme. It will be one of the first fully-integrated digital stadiums and will also be required to meet the latest and most stringent safety regulations.
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“Once again I want to apologise to fans and to thank you for your ongoing support. We have a busy time ahead both on and off the pitch, particularly after last night’s amazing qualification for the last 16 of the Champions League. What a memorable night. I should also like to take this opportunity to wish you and your families well over the festive break.”
