Alexis Sanchez Set to Be Rested by Arsene Wenger for Galatasaray vs. Arsenal

If any player in the Arsenal squad deserves to opt out of a potentially meaningless Champions League clash played in front of a fervent Galatasaray crowd, it’s probably Alexis Sanchez.

And according to Paul Gilmour of Sky Sports, the Chilean forward looks as though he’ll be left at home, with Arsene Wenger wary of the convoluted Christmas period on the horizon:

Arsenal can still technically top their group should they pick up a victory at the Turk Telekom Arena, but they also need Borussia Dortmund—who are at home to Anderlecht—to drop points in their match. With that scenario looking unlikely, Wenger has clearly decided now is the best time to rest a player he himself admitted needs some recuperation time, per Liam Twomey of Goal.com:

"

He is in the red zone. 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.

"

Matt Dunham/Associated Press

It’s little surprise the 25-year-old is in need of a rest.

His performances this season have been bristling with admirable industry. The former Barcelona man has taken to the Premier League with distinction, and if it wasn’t for his goals and assists, Arsenal would be in a much less desirable position. When you consider Arsenal's perennial injury woes, it's vital Sanchez preserves his sharpness.

Ahead of another 90 minutes in the Gunners’ 3-2 defeat against Stoke City, OptaJoe showed us exactly why Sanchez may well be feeling a little jaded:

His omission will do little to help Arsenal pick up a victory at what is a notoriously tough venue. But with their passage through to the last 16 of the competition secured, there will be few inquests into proceedings should the Gunners fail to win, especially if Dortmund expectedly dispatch of Anderlecht.

After that embarrassing 3-2 defeat to Stoke—a match in which the Gunners were 3-0 down at half-time—Wenger will be well aware of how important it is for his team to bounce back against high-flying Newcastle United in the Premier League and put together a strong run over the festive calendar. A refreshed and refocused Sanchez will do plenty to help Arsenal get back on track.