Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber has voiced out over the current football calendar. This comes after Manchester City midfielder Rodri was ruled out of the season with an Anterior cruciate ligament injury.
The Spanish midfielder picked up the injury after taking a knock to the knee in the Manchester City versus Arsenal game a week ago.
Rodri played around 70 games for Manchester City last season and also featured in the Euros this summer. He was one of the most active professional footballers in Europe.
In the early months of the season, the midfielder commented on players going on a possible strike due to the congested fixture list:
“I think we are close to that,” said Rodri, speaking to media when asked if it is possible players will strike. “If you ask any player, they will say the same. It’s the general opinion of the players.
“If it keeps [going] this way, there will be a moment where we have no other option, but let’s see. It’s something that worries us because we are the ones who suffer.”
Now Timber believes that players should be worried about the fixture schedule after some picked up injuries in the past few games.
Jurrien Timber fears ‘dangerous’ football schedule
Timber joined Arsenal last season, but picked up an ACL injury which ruled him out of the campaign. He returned to competitive action at the end of last season.
The defender only returned to consistent first team football this season, and has warned that players could go on strike due to the current schedule:
“I totally agree with them,” said Timber. “It’s a big topic at the moment in dressing rooms, not only at City and Liverpool but also our dressing room. I didn’t play last season, so I’m just enjoying playing right now – you won’t hear me complaining but I totally understand what they’re saying.
“I honestly think it’s a dangerous thing. Last week we played City and I think they played again two days later – that’s too much. I understand why players are complaining.”
“The players are speaking right now and let their voices be heard. It doesn’t look like it’s getting any less (busy) at the moment. We’re just trying to be there every game to give our best, but it gets hard when the games keep coming and coming.
“Especially in England without having a winter break, it’s really hard.”
Arsenal could also be feeling the effects of playing three games in seven days, as Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori face late fitness tests ahead of the Champions League game against Paris Saint-Germain.
