Arteta voices worries over player wellbeing amid Arsenals packed schedule

Mikel Arteta has urged football authorities to prioritise player wellbeing above all else, warning that Arsenals congested calendar could endanger his squad.

Arsenals team is scheduled to play Crystal Palace in the League Cup quarterfinals on December 16.

However, this would force Palace into three games within five days, and the FA Cup champions are pushing to reschedule their Emirates Stadium fixture for the subsequent week.

Reports suggest Arsenal favour keeping the last eight encounter on December 16 to prevent worsening the intense festive period timetable.

The Gunners are enduring a stretch of seven fixtures across 22 days, with the Premier League frontrunners set to visit Burnley on Saturday, followed by Champions League duties against Slavia Prague on Tuesday.

Every choice regarding scheduling must centre on two key factors, players wellbeing and then fans, nothing else should take precedence, Arteta emphasised to journalists on Friday.

If we keep those two core principles at the forefront when deciding, everyone in the sport will avoid such issues, he added. But if we overlook them, anything could happen.

Last season, Manchester City player Rodri suggested that mounting matches might lead to player action.

When questioned on whether discussions of strikes might resurface with the growing fixture list, Arteta responded, If we protect player welfare and our fans properly, we will never reach that stage.

We must seal that possibility shut, it is our greatest asset, he stressed.

Arsenal earned their spot in the League Cup quarterfinals via a 2 zero win against Brighton on Wednesday.

This extends their winning streak to eight games across all tournaments for the in form North London side.

They head to Burnley holding a four point advantage atop the league, boasting a backline unbeaten in six outings.

Arsenal aim to claim the English crown for the first time since 2004, having placed second in the prior three campaigns.

On whether his group senses they are invincible currently, Arteta replied, No, we maintain that constant drive, recognising the hurdles and tests each new rival presents, especially with just three days between matches and minimal preparation time.

It represents a major chance, yet we need to sustain that high standard of play, which we understand is challenging.

We will need to deliver those top performances once more.