David Raya makes PFA demand after latest Arsenal setback as Man City criticism continues

David Raya has urged the PFA to get involved amid ongoing criticism of the number of games being played.

Arsenal have struggled badly with injuries this season which has played a key role in them falling nine points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool after 11 games. Captain Martin Odegaard and key winger Bukayo Saka have been among the key absentees for Mikel Arteta's team at numerous points in 2024/25. Ben White has also been ruled out until 2025.

The Gunners are not the only team to be struggling with injuries. Title rivals Manchester City have also been affected with influential midfielder Rodri out for the season after picking up an ACL injury during their 2-2 draw against Arteta's team in September.

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And Arsenal goalkeeper Raya has now called for action with teams across Europe set to compete in the revamped 32-team Club World Cup this summer, a competition the Gunners have not qualified for.

“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,” he said via El Desmarque. “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.”

Raya's criticism comes after City defender Ruben Dias added his voice to the growing concerns following Rodri's injury.

“To perform better, it is necessary to ensure that athletes are safe, but few care about the athletes, but rather the financial aspect and profit,” he told O Jogo.

“This season especially will be the craziest yet, with the Club World Cup at the end of the season. We have to think about the players if we want to put on a good show, giving ourselves enough time to recharge our batteries and put on the best show.

“In the past, we had a normal number of games. We are now well beyond that normal. We have to focus the issue on the athletes, as we are the ones who play. We realise the industry we have around us, but it’s our bodies that are in question. We need to rest and breathe.

“If it has to be, it is important that we are all together and do it together, like another extreme situation. If we have to raise our voice and go on strike, we will do so.”