Breaking News: David Raya makes demand to PFA over schedule after Arsenal star ruled out until 2025

Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya wants the PFA to do more to protect players after Ben White’s injury

After Arsenal’s title ambitions were dashed by a string of injury problems, David Raya has called on the PFA to support them in light of the growing amount of football games on the calendar.

Following his teammate Ben White’s 2025 suspension, Arsenal custodian David Raya has called on the PFA to take action against the alarming fixture pile-up.

In a major setback to Arsenal’s title hopes, White has been dealing with a knee injury and had to have surgery, which will keep him out of action until at least the New Year. This comes after manager Mikel Arteta has already noticed some fitness problems in his team.

Ben White and Bukayo Saka hobbled off during last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea, and defenders Riccardo Calafiori and Takehiro Tomiyasu have also been sidelined. Captain and crucial playmaker Martin Odegaard had previously missed two months of the season.

In light of the growing number of football games on the schedule, especially the impending Club World Cup redesign that will see teams play even more games next summer, Raya has now called on the players’ union to back them.

“We know that the calendar is what it is, it is very congested for teams that play in all competitions, and now there is a Club World Cup in the summer,” the Spain international said to local publication El Desmarque.

“The chance of injury is higher, but at least Arsenal isn’t playing it. We players have discussed the topic extensively, and the union—in our case, the Professional Football Association—must become involved.

“They will do all in their power to assist us, and we are with them, but we are aware that this is not always the case. People must realise that injuries have the power to alter our lives and that we are human beings, not machines.

Arsenal suffered another injury blow, with White set to be out until the New Year ( Image: Michael Regan – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

Teams have suffered from a plethora of injuries this season, especially Rodri of Manchester City, who has been one of the most outspoken critics of players receiving excessive playing time, was sidelined for the season after suffering an ACL injury.

Ahead of their journey to Greece, England had to make eight squad withdrawals this week because of various injury concerns and others who wanted to focus on staying fit.

It comes after Arteta, the manager of the Gunners, stated that he was “praying” for their “nightmare eight weeks” of injury problems to end so that his team would appear healthier following the 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,” he stated. “There is question after doubt, problem after problem, not just with those who can’t play, but with those who can.