Arsenal goalkeeper has called for the PFA to take action over the concerning fixture pile-up after his team-mate was ruled out until 2025.

White has been struggling with a knee problem and has been forced to undergo surgery, sidelining him until the New Year at least, in a huge blow to Arsenal's title hopes after boss has seen a number of fitness issues in his side already.

Captain and key playmaker had earlier missed two months of the season, while defenders Riccardo Calafiori and Takehiro Tomiyasu have also been out - with Ben White and limping off during the 1-1 draw with last weekend.

And now Raya has called for football's players union to give them support over the increasing number of games in football's calendar - including the upcoming Club World Cup revamp that will see teams play even more matches next summer.

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The Spain international told local outlet El Desmarque: "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.

"At least 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 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."

This season in particular has seen teams blighted by a spate of injuries across the board, with star Rodri - who has been one of the most vocal figures on footballers being given too many games - was ruled out for the season with an ACL blow.

Meanwhile, England were hit with eight squad withdrawals this week ahead of their trip to due to some injury concerns and others aiming to prioritise their fitness.

It comes after Gunners boss Arteta said he was "praying" for an end to their "nightmare eight weeks" of injury issues, hoping that his squad looks in better shape after 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 said. "Doubt after doubt, issue after issue, not only with the ones that are not able to play, but with the ones who are able to play.

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