Mesut Ozil Rest Reportedly Planned by Arsenal over Christmas Period

Arsene Wenger is reportedly planning to rest Mesut Ozil during the busy Christmas period in an attempt to preserve his long-term fitness during the second half of the season.

Arsenal are in the midst of an injury crisis, which has seen key trio Alexis Sanchez, Santi Cazorla and Francis Coquelin all sidelined.

Ozil is unquestionably another of the Gunners' vital players, and after he felt a slight tightness in his calf following Dec. 9's 3-0 victory over Olympiakos, Wenger has decided to rest him in the upcoming weeks, per James Olley in the Evening Standard.

The report added that, barring injury, the German international will not sit out Monday's key Premier League clash against Manchester City, but he will be sidelined for one of Arsenal's following fixtures against Southampton (Dec. 26), Bournemouth (Dec. 28) and Newcastle United (Jan. 2).

Ozil has been in excellent form of late and is enjoying undoubtedly his best season at Arsenal playing in the No. 10 role, per Opta:

He has started all but one of Arsenal's 16 Premier League clashes this season and is a key reason why the north London outfit sit just two points off the top in the English top flight, per WhoScored.com.

Ozil's continued form and fitness will be vital if Arsenal are to make a genuine title tilt this season. 

Per Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe, Manchester City remain the title favourites and Arsenal's current injury issues could cause them significant problems in their attempts to win the Premier League:

A long-term injury to Ozil would make winning the league a huge, perhaps insurmountable, task.

Such has been the World Cup winner's influence this season that he has also brought the best out of striker Olivier Giroud, who has netted five times in his last three appearances, per WhoScored.

Remove Ozil from the equation for a lengthy spell and Arsenal's attack would likely be far less effective, thus he must be fielded with great caution, especially with the games coming thick and fast in December and January. 

Although Wenger will be loath to leave him out at all over the crucial Christmas schedule, it is surely a sensible idea in the long run.