William Gallas... 22 Premier League appearances this season
Wenger - Gallas has been on edge of injury
By Nick Teale
William Gallas has been on the verge of sustaining an injury a number of times this season according to Arsène Wenger.
The centre back has started some games carrying a minor knock, with the worry that he may not be able to complete the 90 minutes.
Gallas and defensive partner Thomas Vermaelen are the only Arsenal players to have started all 22 Premier League games for the Gunners this term, and so far the Frenchman has been able to complete all 22.
However, Wenger has not always been certain that the 32-year-old would make it through the game unscathed. Speaking ahead of Sunday's defeat to Stoke City, the manager explained why it is important to give players such as Gallas a rest.
"You have to rotate," he said. "You cannot always play with the same XI until the end of the season. That doesn't work.
"Gallas has played all the Premier League games. Once you are in a routine, winning keeps the confidence high.
"Touch wood, until now he has been clear of injuries. But we have played him on the limit a few times where we didn't know before the game how long he would last. He always manages to get through the 90 minutes."
Gallas was rested for the FA Cup match at Stoke and does not have an injury. He is expected to return to the starting XI for Wednesday's Premier League game at Aston Villa.
[Monday, January 25, 2010]
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