Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, has urged the Premier League to protect clubs from “very difficult” turnarounds between games.
On Wednesday evening, Arteta’s side were defeated 3-1 by title rivals Manchester City in the Premier League.
The Gunners will return to league action only 63 hours after their defeat when they face Aston Villa at 12:30 GMT on Saturday.
“The Champions League has its own set of rules,” Arteta explained.
“When you are playing on Wednesday night and then you cannot play [on Saturday lunchtime]. That, I believe, should apply to any competition.”
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp chastised broadcasters in 2020 for scheduling a Premier League game on a Saturday lunchtime following a Champions League game on Wednesday.
In 2021, the rules were changed to prohibit Champions League clubs from competing in the Premier League’s early Saturday slot.
Earlier this season, City had a similar turnaround, hosting Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday 14 September before hosting Wolves at Molineux on Saturday at 12.30 p.m.
“Following the same principle, I believe you are talking physiologically, that is very difficult to turn around on that period to get the best outcome and reduce injury risk for players,” Arteta said ahead of Saturday’s game at Villa Park.
“They put the schedule together the way they did. It’s a little strange, but it is what it is.
“It’s not a matter of being concerned or not. We have to have fun. I want the players to be mentally and physically prepared to take on the challenge.”
After Wednesday’s defeat, Arsenal fell to second in the Premier League, but they have a game in hand on City, who leads only on goal difference.
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City face Nottingham Forest at 15:00 GMT on Saturday, two and a half hours after Arsenal.