Mikel Arteta has lamented the fixture calendar as Arsenal and Crystal Palace continue talks over when to play their Carabao Cup quarter-final.

The last-eight ties are due to be played on Dec. 16 but that scheduling would mean Palace play three times in five days with games against Manchester City and KPS Kuopio either side.

Arsenal's preference is understood to be Dec. 16 given they do not play again until a trip to Everton on Dec. 21 but two other dates are also under discussion including Christmas Eve.

Asked about the general picture regarding fixture congestion, Arteta said on Friday: "Every decision that we make in terms of a fixture has to be guided on two main things, I think: players' welfare and then supporters. That's it.

"The rest has to come very, very far away fro

See Full Page