Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has sounded the alarm over player workload, saying his team’s injury crisis is “a consequence” of increasing demands on footballers. Arteta said he was training his squad “less than ever” in a bid to balance a schedule that can require European football’s top stars to play 60-70 games a season.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes the accumulation of long-term injuries experienced by some clubs is an “accident waiting to happen” because of the increased demands on players in a busy soccer calendar.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has suggested the club could look to the free-agent market to address their growing injury crisis in attack. With Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz sidelined by hamstring injuries, and both Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus also out, the Gunners find themselves dangerously short on firepower.