Mikel Arteta believes players are at risk from suffering burnout as the truncated fixture calendar gives them little time to rest and recuperate.
The Arsenal boss lost Kieran Tierney to a calf problem just hours before Thursday's Premier League stalemate with Crystal Palace.
Pablo Mari also missed out due to a similar issue, with the pair having played the entirety of the previous four matches.
Speaking after the goalless draw with Palace, full-back Hector Bellerin said players' bodies 'can only cope with so much' in such a busy season.