Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber lifts lid on “dangerous” workload for players

Arsenal full-back Jurrien Timber has added his voice to growing concerns about the “dangerous” workloads facing elite footballers, echoing Manchester City star Rodri’s warnings about the risk of burnout.

Timber, who missed nearly all of last season due to a serious knee injury, is now fully fit and looking forward to Arsenal’s upcoming Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.

However, despite his excitement for the match, the defender has expressed support for Rodri and Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker, both of whom have spoken out against the unrelenting schedule faced by top-level players.

Jurrien Timber shares the concern that the ever-increasing demands on players could push them to the brink of industrial action, as the risk of burnout continues to grow.

He said: “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.

“I didn’t play last season, so I’m just enjoying playing right now and you won’t hear me complaining, but I totally understand what they’re saying.”

The Champions League group stage has been expanded from six to eight games, and Timber has warned that the additional fixtures increase the risk of players sustaining serious injuries

The Netherlands added: “I honestly think it’s a dangerous thing.

“Last week we played City and they played again two days later – that’s too much.

“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.”

“A lot of players have played a lot of big games,” he concluded.

“Of course the Champions League is a bit different but I don’t need to tell other players how to play or how to prepare for big games.

“Obviously we need to play with a lot of courage and be who we are.

“I haven’t played against PSG but they’re a really good team, really well coached and they have so many world class players.

“We just have to be prepared and focus on ourselves.

“I’m just enjoying it right now because I couldn’t play last year.”

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