Arsenal have insisted players, supporters and staff are their “priority” after it was confirmed the Premier League would move the club’s fixture with Everton a day earlier.
The match with the Toffees had been scheduled for Sunday, 21 December, but after the EFL scheduled their Carabao Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace for Tuesday, 23 December because of the Eagles’ European participation, it left the Gunners facing two games in 48 hours.
Arsenal requested a move of the fixture on Merseyside to allow more recovery time between matches and it will now take place at 20:00 GMT on Saturday, 20 December.
In a statement, the club said: “Playing two matches within a 48-hour period contravenes Fifa recommendations, which have established a consensus for a minimum of 72 hours’ rest between games.
“This recommendation is in place to protect player health and fitness. Recovery time between matches is especially important during busy periods of the season, such as December.
“It is also worth noting that Christmas Eve was mooted as the date for the Carabao Cup quarter-final but was rejected due to the proximity to Christmas Day, which would impact our supporters and workforce.
“The welfare of our players, supporters, and staff is our priority, and we fully understand this change of date may result in challenges for supporters travelling to Liverpool for the game. Therefore, we are organising additional supporters’ coaches for this match. All coach travel will be subsidised for supporters.”
