David Raya is actually glad Arsenal aren’t competing in one competition this season in bold claim

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Arsenal signed David Raya in the summer from Brentford after a successful loan spell at the Emirates.

Mikel Arteta was questioned for dropping Aaron Ramsdale to welcome Raya to the squad at the start of the 2023/24 campaign.

The decision led Ramsdale to the end of his journey in North London, with the Spaniard taking his spot as the Gunners’ number one.

Since then, Raya and Arsenal haven’t looked back, with the former Brentford shot-stopper proving to be a transfer masterstroke from Arteta.

• READ MORE: Arsenal ace David Raya’s life outside of football from his girlfriend to tattoo

David Raya challenges fixture demand on players

As the Arsenal squad report to international duty, Raya has put his project in N5 to the side as he continues to fight to become Spain’s number one.

Whilst on international duty with the European Champions, the goalkeeper enrolled in an interview with El Desmarque, where he opened up about the demand on players amid a rise in fixtures.

“We know that the calendar is what it is, it’s very congested for teams that play in all competitions, now also with a Club World Cup in the summer,” Raya explained.

The Gunners star then admitted that he’s somewhat glad Arsenal aren’t taking part in the FIFA Club World Cup, a tournament of champions around the globe.

“At least Arsenal aren’t playing in it but the risk of injury is greater. We players have talked a lot about the issue and the union, in our case the PFA, has to get involved.

“We are with them, they are going to help us as much as possible, but we know that it’s not going to happen overnight. People have to understand that we are people, we are not robots and an injury can change our lives.”

Raya was commenting on the influx of injuries and the strain that additional fixtures puts on players, alluding to national teammate Rodri’s season-ending ACL blow.

Arsenal suffering with first team injuries

Raya’s concerns are impossible to ignore, with Arteta seeing first-hand the impact of an increased demand on players.

So far, Arsenal have sustained a mass of injuries in the 2024/25 calendar, with the manager rarely having his full first-team squad available.

Players are doing what they can to be involved, with Declan Rice playing on painkillers against Chelsea whilst nursing a broken foot.

It’s a real concern for those on the pitch who bring us so much joy, causing Raya to speak out on the matter whilst on international duty.