Arsene Wenger admits fatigue among his Arsenal squad is becoming a concern as the end of the season nears.

The Gunners have already played 52 games this season after reaching the Europa League semi-finals and going all the way to the Carabao Cup final before losing to Manchester City.[phone]


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Wenger has shuffled his pack as much as possible in recent weeks, often prioritising the Europa League over Premier League fixtures, with Arsenal 13 points adrift of the top four.

A 2-2 draw at CSKA Moscow on Thursday night was enough to set up a Europa League semi-final clash with Atletico Madrid – at the same time adding more fixtures to Arsenal’s schedule in the closing weeks.

While rotation is likely to continue ahead of the tie with the LaLiga side, Wenger conceded after a poor performance in Russia that tiredness could become a worry.

“It is a little bit of a concern yes because, with the League Cup in the middle of the season, it is so difficult,” he said.

“If you look at (Manchester) City they look a little bit like that as well, they have lost games recently and overall, fortunately next week we can recover a bit.

“I do as much (rotating) as I can but unfortunately some players have to play every game.”

One player who looked particularly in need of a rest following a below-par performance was Jack Wilshere, the England midfielder having played some part in the last eight games across all competitions.

The 26-year-old has established himself in the side after a couple of injury-hit seasons and a loan spell at Bournemouth, with Wenger admitting he may be in need of a breather.

“He got a kick as well on his ankle,” the Frenchman revealed after confirming Wilshere had tired during the game.

“As well, Jack is a player who makes a difference individually and I believe these kinds of players when they are tired they are more in trouble than the players who run less with the ball.”

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