Alexis is in the 'red zone' and needs a rest, admits Wenger

The 25-year-old has made a blistering start to life in English football with his tireless running and keen eye for goal but his manager is worried about potential injuries


Arsenal talisman Alexis Sanchez is at high risk of injury and needs a rest, Arsene Wenger admits.

The Chile international has become a firm favourite with Gunners fans since his arrival from Barcelona in a €42 million deal last summer, scoring 14 goals in his first 22 appearances in all competitions.

But Wenger has revealed that he will have to rest Alexis at some point over the frantic festive period to ensure that he does not become another name on Arsenal’s perennially lengthy injury list.

“He is in the red zone,” the Frenchman told reporters. “You can see that when he plays but he can dig deep. I will have to give him a week’s break at some stage. I have to give him a breather.

“I did it with many players before who were playing every game. I did it with [Thierry] Henry, with [Robin] van Persie and it always helped them to get through without being injured.

“He played his 27th game on Wednesday since the start of the season, if you consider international games and travelling on top of that. Unfortunately you never know how far you can push it.

“We are not scientific enough to predict that completely but he has good recovery potential. He recovers very quickly.

“He has quality that in the morning he comes in and he is fresh. I don’t know what he does overnight!”

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