Van Persie: Fatigue could affect FA Cup tie against Chelsea

The Manchester United striker has suggested that both sides' busy schedules could play a part in Monday's replay, with Manchester City waiting in the semifinals at Wembley Stadium

Manchester United striker Robin van Persie believes that fatigue could play a part in Monday's FA Cup quarterfinal replay against Chelsea with both teams having just played Saturday.

After a 3-3 draw at Old Trafford, the two clubs will meet again at Stamford Bridge just two days after their latest Premier League fixtures in a match that starts early in the day. Van Persie believes the 48-hour rest period is not enough and admitted that the close proximity of the games added to the risk of muscular injuries due to tiredness.

"These games are just too close to each other," van Persie told reporters. "People have to realize they can't expect a great game of football because it is not possible.

"Normally on the second day your muscles are quite bad, but now we have to play at this certain time.

"It is a shame but we can't do anything about it because there are Champions League games in midweek and Chelsea are still in the Europa League."

Chelsea interim manager Rafa Benitez has also bemoaned the fixture congestion after he was forced to make eight changes to his side for the 2-1 loss to Southampton at the weekend.

"When you don't have one or two players you have to manage the squad," Benitez said. "The day after a game you feel tired, two days after you feel even more tired.

"That is the reality. The second day will be really tough for everyone."