Unai Emery has said that Arsenal's packed schedule, and Rennes' recent weekend off, cannot be used as an excuse by the Gunners in their UEFA Europa League last-16 first leg on Thursday.
Rennes have had a busy season as they have also gone deep in the Coupe de France. But they were given more than a week to prepare for Thursday's clash by the French Football Federation, who postponed their Saturday fixture with Nimes.
Arsenal, meanwhile, have beaten Bournemouth 5-1 and drawn 1-1 with Tottenham Hotspur in the last eight days, and they host Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.