Arsene Wenger believes the Premier League’s hectic festive period may come as a bit of a surprise for Alexis Sanchez. Arsenal will have played five matches between today and January 4th and Wenger believes his Chilean star may find this demanding schedule particularly challenging.

Alexis is of course used to having a winter break, where he can take a few days off and perhaps go visit family at home, so he may find the Premier League’s schedule a bit overwhelming.

Speaking in his press conference Friday, Wenger said this about Sanchez and the coming schedule:

“It is a shock to the system, those who are not used to it.”

“They (foreign players) are all used to a break, but in England there is no stop in the winter. Many of them suffer physically.”

“As well mentally, the players are used to a break over Christmas, to be with their family. The players from South America are used to going home, but of course in England you cannot do it.”

The boss also revealed that Alexis has already been struggling physically in the past few weeks and that the rest against Galatasaray was much needed.

One this is for sure, Arsenal must proceed with caution if there is any truth to this. We sure couldn’t tell Sanchez was struggling given his consistent performances and work-rate, but Wenger is undoubtedly closer to the situation. The last thing we need is another injury let alone to our best player at the moment.

Sanchez looked a bit jaded today against the Reds to be fair and perhaps boxing day’s clash at home to QPR could be the perfect time to rest him (as a sub that is). Wenger must get his balancing act correct and perhaps this will grant some more time for the likes of Podolski and Campbell. Let’s just hope this doesn’t become an issue going forward, and that Arsenal can cope without Sanchez for a match or two and still pick up points.

I don’t for a second think that Wenger has plans to sit Sanchez anytime soon. I do however think that with Ramsey and Wilshere and Ozil most likely to miss this period as well, Wenger may feel his hand is forced and may run the risk of burning the player out. That is what scares me given the boss’ latest revelations.

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