Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has called for a significant change to Premier League regulations, urging the league to allow clubs to include more players in their matchday squads starting next season.
Currently, Premier League rules limit clubs to registering only 18 players for each match, two fewer than the UEFA competitions. Arteta believes this restriction is outdated and has a direct impact on both squad management and player welfare.
Arteta’s Plea for Squad Expansion
During a pre-match press conference ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Leeds United on Friday, January 30, 2026, Arteta openly shared his concerns.
“At the moment, two or three players always have to be left out of the squad. That’s the reality. I can’t change it. That’s the rule. But hopefully, next season in the Premier League, instead of 18 players, we could have 20,” Arteta said, as quoted by ESPN.
He emphasized the broader benefits of increasing the squad size, drawing comparisons with the Champions League. “I’m asking, just like in the Champions League, because it’s much better for managing the squad, maintaining player value, and protecting mental health. Nobody wants to be left out of the squad,” he added.
Arteta continued, “If we can all work on this, it would make organizing hotels, travel, and logistics much easier, and it would help everyone. The worst part is having to leave a player out. But in the end, there are positions, players who can cover multiple roles, and you can’t overload certain positions and weaken others. It’s always a process to make decisions. Regarding how a player trains, behaves, communicates, and helps the team, they should ideally be involved in every minute of every match.”
Protecting Player Mental Health
When asked about the mental health implications of the current rules, Arteta provided an in-depth explanation.
“Our job is unique. We have the ability to change someone’s life and career, which is amazing, but at the same time, every week we have to tell someone, ‘Tomorrow you won’t work. You can’t even travel with the team,’” he said.
“Think of any other job like that. I can’t walk into a kitchen tomorrow and tell two chefs they won’t cook today, only watch others work or go home. That’s extremely difficult.”
Arteta stressed that players need to feel part of the team. “Someone who wants to feel included has to be there, travel with the squad, and feel they have a chance. When you take that opportunity away, you risk making a player feel they aren’t good enough,” he explained.
He continued, “Ultimately, the decision is clear. I choose 20 other players over you, and I believe this is something that could be avoided. Why? Because match demands are increasing, so we need a larger squad.”
Current Rules Are Outdated
Arteta argued that the current Premier League regulations no longer make sense and called for updates that allow clubs to register more players for matchday squads.
“I think we need to expand the squad, give everyone a chance to be part of it, and then make the right choices based on the match, manage playing minutes better, consider psychological and emotional conditions, and how we want to influence the game. I believe this would be better for everyone,” he said.
Previously, Arteta had also proposed that Premier League clubs be allowed to register more than 25 senior players in competition squads, underlining his belief that the current limitations are too restrictive in the modern game.
Support from Other Managers
Arteta’s concerns are not unique. Liverpool manager Arne Slot and Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola have also publicly suggested increasing matchday squad sizes. The growing consensus among top managers highlights the need for Premier League authorities to reassess rules that may negatively impact squad management and player wellbeing.
Balancing Team Needs and Player Welfare
The pressure to balance tactical needs with player welfare has become increasingly apparent as fixture congestion and international commitments intensify. A larger matchday squad would allow managers more flexibility in selection, reduce player fatigue, and ensure that more individuals remain mentally and emotionally invested in the team.
Arteta’s argument reflects a broader trend in professional football where clubs are paying closer attention to mental health and the psychological impact of modern match schedules. By expanding matchday squads, managers can offer more opportunities for rotation while minimizing the risk of players feeling excluded or undervalued.
Conclusion
Mikel Arteta’s call for Premier League rule changes underscores a growing awareness of the importance of player mental health in elite football. Expanding matchday squads would not only improve logistical management and tactical flexibility but also protect players’ psychological wellbeing. As more managers join the conversation, it is likely that Premier League authorities will face increasing pressure to modernize squad regulations for the benefit of both players and clubs.
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