David Raya makes PFA demand over schedule after Arsenal suffer Ben White blow

Arsenal shot-stopper David Raya has raised alarm over the gruelling fixture pile-up and is urging action from the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) after his team-mate Ben White was sidelined until 2025.

After being plagued by a knee injury, White has undergone surgery, leaving him out of action until at least the New Year. This setback will hit Arsenal’s title aspirations hard as they look to claw back the nine-point deficit from Liverpool.

The squad has already been hampered by injuries – captain Martin Odegaard was previously out for two months, and both defenders Riccardo Calafiori and Takehiro Tomiyasu have faced their spells on the sidelines. Adding to the woes, White and Bukayo Saka limped off in the recent 1-1 draw against Chelsea.

Addressing concerns to Spanish news El Desmarque, Raya emphasized the urgency for action to be taken amid the crammed football schedule. He said: “We know that the calendar is what it is, it is very congested for teams that play in all competitions, now also with a Club World Cup in the summer.

“At least Arsenal are not playing it, but the risk of injury is greater. We players have talked a lot about the subject and the union has to get involved, in our case the PFA (Professional Football Association).

“We are with them, they will help us as much as possible, but we know that it is not from one day to the next. People have to understand that we are people, we are not robots, and an injury can change our lives.”

This season has been particularly challenging for clubs already, with injuries cropping up left, right, and centre. Manchester City hero Rodri, an outspoken critic of footballers’ overloaded schedules, has been sidelined for the season with an ACL injury.

England’s national team has been hit hard after eight players withdrew this week before their game in Greece, some due to injuries and others to focus on their fitness.

Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta recently shared his frustration over the club’s extensive injury problems, saying he was “praying” for a reprieve post-international break.

“What I’m praying for is that after the international break we have the team fully physically equipped, that they are available and that they are fit, because, it’s been a nightmare for eight weeks,” Arteta said. “Doubt after doubt, issue after issue, not only with the ones that are not able to play, but with the ones who are able to play.”