Arsene Wenger described it as “unbelievable” he should be questioned over the decision to give Arsenal a two-day break.
The squad were given Sunday and Monday off following a run of five matches in 15 days, which included two games against Liverpool, one against Manchester United and a Champions League clash with Bayern Munich.
At yesterday’s press conference, Wenger was asked if the break was because the squad were tired.
But the manager replied: “It is not necessarily fatigue — they could have run on Sunday. I don’t see why it’s a problem as many clubs have two days off sometimes.
“We don’t have to justify why we have two days off. It’s unbelievable. We are in a society where everybody wants to control everything.”
Arsenal’s break came after a 4-1 win over Sunderland and tomorrow they face another team in a congested relegation battle when they travel to Stoke.
Centre-half Thomas Vermaelen is available again after two months out with a knee problem but he could be used at left-back because Nacho Monreal (foot) and Kieran Gibbs (muscle injury) are both doubts.
Mesut Ozil is set to return to the squad after being dropped last week following his poor display against Bayern, when he missed a penalty.
