Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber agrees with Rodri and Alisson that the current football calendar puts players at risk.
Earlier this month, Manchester City midfielder Rodri claimed that players may be forced to go on strike, while Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson – who missed 15 games with a hamstring injury last season – has also expressed his concern.
Rodri has since ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament, ruling him out of action for the rest of the season.
Timber – who missed most of the 2023-24 campaign with a knee injury – said on Monday: ‘To be honest, I totally agree with them.
‘It’s a big topic at the moment in dressing rooms, not only at City and Liverpool, but also our dressing room.
Jurrien Timber spoke to the media on Monday ahead of Arsenal’s game against PSG this week
Man City midfielder Rodri has been ruled out for the rest of the season with an ACL injury
‘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 will play their ninth game of the season in all competitions on Tuesday when they host Paris Saint-Germain in the revamped Champions League.
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson has raised his concerns about the current football calendar
Timber pictured in action during Arsenal’s 4-2 win over Leicester City on Saturday afternoon
Each team played six games in the Champions League group stage last season, but that has been increased to eight since the format change.
Furthermore, teams that finish between ninth and 24th in the expanded ‘league phase’ now need to compete in an extra two-legged play-off round to try to reach the round of 16.
Chelsea and Man City are also set to compete in an expanded FIFA Club World Cup next summer, taking place in the USA between June 15 and July 13.
