Mikel Arteta has given his verdict on the unfair fixture congestion.

Arsenal manager Arteta has given his verdict on what the congested fixture list means to his players.

Arteta wants the Premier League and the broadcasters to protect the players [Getty]

Mikel Arteta has told the Premier League and broadcasters to help the players following an increase in injuries amid a congested fixture schedule.

The Gunners boss voiced his concerns over players' health as muscle injuries continue to be on the rise.

The Spaniard, who replaced Unai Emery at the Arsenal helm last year, doesn't think the demands being placed on players in a single calendar year is fair and he also said 'we know the consequences' of a congested fixture list.

While speaking in his press conference on Friday morning, he explained: "It’s never been done before to play the amount of games we have to play in a calendar year in the history of football.

"We know the consequences of that. The only thing from my side that I would demand to the Premier League and to the broadcasters is lets protect the players.

"At the end of the day this industry, we can do it without us being together in a room (media/press conferences), we have been doing training individually.

"Even without the fans but guys we need the players. We have to protect them as much as possible.

"They are the protagonists of this whole industry and whatever you can do we have to modify the rules and make them a little bit more flexible for them to get them fit and mentally as well. Lets just do it please.”

On moving to five substitutes, he replied: "I am all for it and extending the numbers of the squad. Lets try to help them and make them involved. There are easy decisions. Its my opinion and lets hope we can change it.”

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