Wednesday 18 November 2015 11:28, UK
Arsene Wenger should consider resting Alexis Sanchez this weekend to "save him from himself", says Alan Smith.
Arsenal star Sanchez played in Chile's World Cup qualifying defeat to Uruguay on Tuesday, despite fears over a calf problem in the run-up to the game.
Wenger thought about resting Sanchez after last month's international break, but the forward has since played eight times in 31 days, scoring just once compared to nine goals in his five previous games.
And former Arsenal striker Smith told Sky Sports News HQ Wenger should revisit the idea at West Brom on Saturday, rather than risk the long-term fitness of last season's top scorer.
"I think Arsene Wenger was thinking about resting him anyway," Smith said, "because you've just got to be careful.
The team's not going to be quite the same without him (Sanchez), but they've got to be careful they don't overdo him.
"He doesn't know when to stop running, he doesn't know when to stop training during the week. He's got to be saved from himself almost because he's so enthusiastic.
"Arsene Wenger will be looking carefully at that, looking carefully at how much he's played for Chile - whether he decides to rest him on Saturday...
"But he's one of those that carries his team-mates along with him with his infectious enthusiasm, his work ethic and above all his quality.
"The team's not going to be quite the same without him, but they've got to be careful they don't overdo him."
