Arsene Wenger has warned Arsenal fans to expect a less effective Alexis Sanchez throughout the hectic Christmas period.
The Chilean has endeared himself to Gunners supporters for a series of energetic and match-winning performances following his £35m summer switch from Barcelona.
However, the 26-year-old is poised to endure the festive fixture pile-up in England's football calendar for the first time, having always enjoyed the luxury of a winter break in other countries.
Consequently, Wenger says that Sanchez - who has 14 goals this season - and other first-team players may "suffer physically" as a result of the rigorous demands.
"He benefited from the fact I didn't take him to Galatasaray," Wenger told reporters ahead of Sunday's trip to Liverpool. "He needed a little breather. It will have helped him.
"Players are used to a break over Christmas. The players from South America used to go home and in England they cannot do it.
"It's a shock for the system for everybody. Many of them suffer physically."
Arsenal have a total of four games between now and January 1.
Shane Callaghan
