Arsenal's Jurrien Timber backs up Rodri and Alisson as he warns of 'dangerous' situation

Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber has echoed Manchester City’s Rodri in raising the alarm over the gruelling football schedule, labelling it “dangerous” and revealing that fixture congestion is a hot topic among the Gunners squad.

The 23-year-old Dutch defender, who missed nine months last season due to a knee injury, voiced his concerns as Arsenal gear up to face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League group stage, which now features eight matches instead of six.

Earlier this month, Man City rival Rodri suggested that players may be forced to strike just days before suffering a season-ending ACL injury, with Liverpool’s Alisson Becker also sharing worries about the packed calendar.

“To be honest, I totally agree with them,” Timber admitted as he prepared for the PSG clash, Arsenal’s sixth game in just 17 days. “It’s a big topic at the moment in dressing rooms, not only at City and Liverpool, but also our dressing room.

“I honestly think it’s a dangerous thing. Last week we played City, and they played again two days later, and that’s too much. I understand why players are complaining.

“It’s a really good point. 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.

“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.”

Arsenal’s squad returned to the training ground in preparation for their high-stakes Champions League clash, with boss Mikel Arteta confirming a late fitness check for Ben White. The defender has missed out recently with a groin injury, while Riccardo Calafiori’s knee issue from the dramatic Leicester win also needs examining ahead of Tuesday’s showdown at home.

The Gunners drew with Atalanta in their opening game, and they face a daunting challenge against PSG. Led by Arteta’s former Barca team-mate Luis Enrique, the Parisians have stormed through six victories in seven games and were semi-finalists in last season’s Champions League.

Arteta acknowledged the quality of Arsenal’s opponents: “They are an exceptional team. We want to win and we know after the draw at Atalanta with the number of games we have it is going to be really important, but nothing will be decided tomorrow.”