Petr Cech has warned players are being “pushed beyond their limits” after Chelsea slammed the Premier League fixture schedule.
Chelsea’s clash with Brighton has been switched to Tuesday, January 18, because the original date clashed with when Thomas Tuchel ’s men are playing in the Club World Cup in Abu Dhab i.
But Chelsea legend Cech, now technical and performance advisor for the club, says it should be played 24 hours later to give players a much-needed rest especially as both teams do not have another game until Sunday, January 23.
Cech told the Blues' website : “It has been clear how much we have struggled in recent weeks with so many players missing through injury, illness and isolation.
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“Once again, we are extremely concerned about the welfare of our players in all of this and we are puzzled why Wednesday 19 January was not considered as an alternative date seeing as this would not compromise either team as we both play our next games the following Sunday 23 January.
“We are already fulfilling fixtures with depleted squads. As it stands, we have fulfilled all of our fixture commitments to date, despite not being able to start our desired starting 11 for some games over this period in which we have been playing two games a week.
“Scheduling us to play three games in seven days means the players’ welfare, fitness and wellbeing will be severely compromised.
“I know from my experience as a player how much difference an extra day or two can make in the recovery process. We have to realise that we are pushing the players now beyond their limits.”
The player-turned-advisor continued: “I appreciate that the removal of FA Cup replays has freed up dates in that week, but compounding issues by such an unnecessary congestion of fixtures with a two-day gap between each match is an unhealthy situation.
“We also find ourselves playing against an opponent in Brighton who, in comparison, only have one other match in the same seven-day period. This cannot be good for the integrity of the game or the competition.
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“Everyone accepts we are all operating in unprecedented times. As a club, we are playing our part to keep everyone safe, make as many players available for selection as possible, and keep football going and the league on track, with player welfare paramount in our minds.
“It’s a shame that doesn’t appear to have been reflected in recent decision-making around fixtures. I know from my experience as a player how much difference an extra day or two can make in the recovery process.”
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