Arsene Wenger keen to rest Mesut Ozil

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has said that he will have to rest Mesut Ozil accordingly over the busy festive schedule.

The Frenchman is wary of overplaying the German international, who is accustomed to a rest in winter with this being his first season in the Premier League.

However, the 64-year-old has said that midfield linchpin will start in Monday's game against Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium.

"In Germany and most of Europe they have Christmas off and at some stage I will have to give him a break," Wenger told reporters. "But Monday night? No."

Ozil has scored four and assisted seven in 13 Premier League appearances this season.