Arsenal: Alexis Sanchez Omission A Game-Changer

Alexis Sanchez will not be a part of Chile’s squad for the inaugural China Cup in January, meaning that Arsene Wenger can rest his Arsenal star.

The physical demands of modern day football are one of the major changes that significantly affects the way in which clubs are run, managers utilise their time and players are given time of rest and recuperation. Arsenal are no different to any other.

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Arsene Wenger has long heralded the importance of having a large and varied squad – even if he has been unable to assemble one, he has repeatedly stated the importance this season of having so many different options to choose from. He understands the risks of long-term injury, the significant impact missing star players for prolonged periods can have on seasons and is acutely aware of the threat of burnout.

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One such player who Wenger must be especially stringent with Alexis Sanchez. The Chilean is renowned for his relentless desire to play, up to that point that he is willing to push his body beyond its limits and into areas where he can cause himself and his team serious harm. Sanchez himself revealed the disappointment he feels when Wenger tells him to rest, stating:

"“He told me to rest, but I don’t like to rest. Neither in the matches. I don’t like to be out, I get upset, I go home sad, because I train to play, I rest to play. It’s my job and I do everything to perform at 100 per cent.”"

Now, it looks as though Wenger will have the perfect opportunity to do so. The Arsenal manager has tentatively stated of his desire to give Sanchez a mini Winter break if the fixtures allowed him to do so. One potential spanner in his thinking was the prospect that Chile would call him up for the inaugural Chine Cup in January.

However, the national squad was announced yesterday, and alongside a whole host of top players across Europe, Sanchez was not included. That is a game-changer for Wenger. Now, he has the opportunity to protect his most prized possession, rest him for the FA Cup 3rd round tie at the beginning of January and give him a week off training.

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Arsenal suffered the consequences of having tired, leggy and often injured players in the latter half of last season. This year, Wenger seems intent to avoid the same mistakes. Chile have given him a massive helping hand in omitting Sanchez.