Arsenal have rejected Crystal Palace’s request to move their League Cup quarter-final to December 23, with manager Mikel Arteta insisting it would be unfair for both teams to play twice within 48 hours.

The tie will now go ahead on December 16, part of a punishing run of four fixtures in eight days for Palace. The South London side face Manchester City in the Premier League on December 14, KuPS in the Europa Conference League on December 18, and a league trip to Leeds United on December 21.

Palace argued that both clubs should have equal recovery time before the quarter-final, noting that Arsenal host Wolverhampton Wanderers on December 13.

The club were open to playing on Christmas Eve, but that option was ruled out following discussions with the Metropolitan Police and Transport for London, who raised concerns about limited public transport services.

Arsenal, the home side, also opposed a Christmas Eve fixture. Palace later proposed December 23 as an alternative, but that date would fall just two days after Arsenal’s Premier League visit to Everton and coincide with Palace’s own game at Leeds.

Speaking on the congested calendar, Arteta called for fairness and consideration for player welfare.

“I don’t think that’s fair, because we have other competitions to accommodate,” Arteta said. “We knew at the start of the season what each club was playing in. On balance, we have to find the best solution for everyone. There are better options than December 23 — we already suggested that.”

The Spaniard warned that ongoing fixture congestion must be handled sensibly or clubs could eventually be pushed to withdraw from competitions altogether.

“I hope we don’t get to that point,” he added. “If fairness and player welfare stay at the heart of every decision, we won’t reach that stage. But if those principles are ignored, anything is possible.”