The Premier League warned clubs that arranging games during the winter break could damage the mental health of their players in a diktat ordering them not to schedule additional matches sent last March.

In a letter seen by Sportsmail that was sent to all 20 clubs on March 29, the Premier League stress the importance of giving players a break 'from the physical and mental rigours of playing matches,' an instruction which is proving problematic as Liverpool, Tottenham and Southampton now face FA Cup fourth-round replays during their allotted break.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been criticised by announcing that he will play 'the kids' in their replay against Shrewsbury Town next week, as he has already promised his players two days off and is concerned about their welfare.

Premier League clubs were warned against scheduling additional matches during winter break

The German is also planning to stay away from the game at Anfield, where Liverpool will be managed by Under-23 coach Neil Critchley, for symbolic reasons and is adamant he would have taken the same decision if his side had a replay against a Premier League team rather than League One Shrewsbury.

Klopp's concern for his players mirrors those voiced by the Premier League last year when they instructed clubs not to arrange money-spinning friendly fixtures overseas during the break.

At that stage the issue of FA Cup replays taking place during the break was not envisaged and the fixture was only finally confirmed after the Champions League draw in December, with the presence of Liverpool and Tottenham in the last 16 further complicating their schedule.

Jurgen Klopp is concerned about his Liverpool stars' welfare as the fixtures continue to pile up

The mental health issues raised by the Premier League are particularly sensitive for the FA, as they have launched the Heads Up campaign this season to encourage fans to talk about their mental health. As part of the innovative campaign all FA Cup third-round ties were delayed by one minute earlier this month to encourage fans to 'Take A Minute' to think about mental.

'Clubs are expected to honour and respect the underlying rationale for the Mid-Season Player Break, namely to provide their players with a break from the physical and mental rigours of playing matches during the season,' the Premier League letter reads. 'Clubs should not arrange competitive or friendly matches with other clubs during the Mid-Season Player Break.'

The FA are facing mounting pressure to scrap all FA Cup replays to ease fixture congestion, but are locked into a broadcasting contract until 2025 and have already given ground by getting rid of fifth-round replays last year.