Alexis Sanchez 'Exhausted' After Arsenal vs. Bayern Munich, Says Arsene Wenger

Arsenal’s famous win over Bayern Munich looks as though it may have come at a cost, with manager Arsene Wenger hinting he could rest "exhausted" star man Alexis Sanchez for this weekend’s clash with Everton.

The Gunners were marvellous on Tuesday night in beating the German juggernauts, with every player contributing to the cause in a shock 2-0 win. It was a bittersweet evening, though, as after the game, Wenger revealed not only will Aaron Ramsey miss the match with a hamstring injury, but he may have to give the tired Chilean a night off, per Dan Ripley of the MailOnline:

"

He [Aaron Ramsey] is alright but very down because he told me that his hamstring is quite a tough one. He’s out.

Alexis? You could see he was jaded physically. He still pushes himself too much and finished exhausted. Two games with Chile, plus travelling plus Watford and tonight. It’s too much.

"

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Sanchez picked up a groin problem during Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Manchester United in the match before the recent international break, but he still jetted off to represent Chile in two World Cup qualifiers. Upon returning he was straight back in the team for the trip to Watford and was naturally in the starting XI for the vital clash with Bayern.

Although the former Barcelona man was still a key figure in the contest, he did make some uncharacteristic errors in the game, as Paul Hayward of the Daily Telegraph noted here:

Still, Sanchez has looked far from tired recently. His goals have been central to Arsenal surging up the Premier League table, with his infectious drive and determination seemingly galvanising everyone around him. Sanchez sets the tempo for this team, which is why Wenger probably felt he had to throw him straight back into the fold upon his return from international duty.

It’s a decision that may come at a cost. After all, although Sanchez is a remarkably intense footballer, playing so many games at the tempo he does is bound to have a physical effect.

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Wenger admitted in December last season the Chilean was physically “in the red zone” after a pulsating start to Premier League life, per Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail. Therefore he’ll be aware he needs to be careful when managing the forward’s fitness.

As noted here by John Bennett of BBC Sport, although Sanchez has been in scintillating form as of late, he has played a lot of games in this calendar year, including the summer's Copa America:

Wenger’s rotation will be key to Arsenal enjoying a strong campaign, and after what will have been a draining contest at the Emirates on Tuesday, it’d be no surprise to see a few fresh faces in the starting XI for Saturday’s clash with the Toffees. Sanchez, who has notched six goals in his last three Premier League games, will be difficult to replace, though.

The Gunners are blessed with a lot of talent in attacking midfield, meaning even without the likes of Sanchez and Ramsey in the starting XI, they could still field a quality offensive setup for the game against Everton. Those players on the periphery of the first team coming in and doing a job will ultimately be vital if Arsenal are to challenge for major honours this term.