According to the Sun, Alexis is set to be rested against Ludogorets, which I’m sure about 90% of us were hoping for anyway.
The Chilean is known for having an unbelievable work ethic, which extends to pretty much every facet of his life. For the most part this is amazing and if we had 11 of him on the team there’s no doubt we could win everything.
However, this also means that the forward always wants to play; he hates being left out. Even if he’s not fully fit.
It’s up to Arsene Wenger to put his foot down in these situations, even if his star man is a bit sulky for a little bit.
Alexis is fit at the moment. In fact, he’s probably at his peak. Not only did he score a brace against Sunderland at the weekend, he’s scored eight goals in 13 appearances all season. He’s assisted seven.
Un. Real.
With this in mind, however, we want to keep it that way and it seems like the most sensible option during our Champions League clash away to Ludogorets is to rest him and start Olivier Giroud.
The French striker has been out for weeks with a toe injury and came on to score two goals with as many touches against Sunderland on Saturday. Not only does he deserve a start and offer a new approach but it gives Wenger a chance to drop Alexis to the bench and give him a breather.
We have a North London Derby at the weekend, our squad needs to be at its strongest.
I sincerely hope the reports are true and, even if it means we have a grumpy Alexis for an evening, Wenger rests him.