Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is planning to give Chilean star Alexis Sanchez a much-needed midseason break fearing a possible burnout.
The Chilean striker has been playing continuously without a single break since the start of last season, and Arsenal manager fears his recent exertions will catch him up before the end of this season.
The Mirror reports, Wenger have decided to rest Sanchez in the upcoming weeks after the international break, and give him some time to recharge the batteries to get back to his best form ahead of the crucial part of the season. Sanchez had a very limited off-season break as he represented his country in the Copa America and has looked a bit tired in recent matches, especially in the 1-1 draw against Tottenham before the international break.
The Chilean international is currently with his national team for the World Cup qualifying matches and Wenger hopes Sanchez will come back in good shape. The veteran French manager is currently facing a severe injury crisis, with Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Aaron Ramsey all injured and still recovering, so he is desperate to avoid losing another important player ahead of a crucial stage of this campaign.
Reports suggest, Wenger might have Oxlade-Chamberlain and Ramsey back following the international break, which will give a chance to rest Sanchez. However, the Chilean had a slow start to this term, but managed to score six goals in the spell of three league matches, but sadly failed to score in his last three games.
Meanwhile, Petr Cech has said one of the main reasons for the Gunner’s impressive run in Premier League this season. Although they were defeated by West Ham on the opening day, the north London side are now level on points with league toppers Manchester City following 12 games. The veteran goalkeeper insists, it is the work ethic of every member of the squad and the desire to be focused on the task, which is to win every match, is the reason behind recent success.
“It’s [down to] the work ethic of the team. You never win things without going for it, without being focused, without being right in the training ground. So far, I have to say that the team are focused on what we are doing every day and I have to say that this is the key,” Cech said to Arsenal’s official website.
“You prepare every day and if you are really focused in what you are doing every day, then you give yourselves chances to win games. I believe that this team has that ability to be focused and ready to achieve. We are giving ourselves the chance to win every game,” the Chelsea legend revealed further.