Sunderland midfielder Yann M’Vila has admitted that he needs a rest after feeling the full effects of the frantic Premier League festive fixtures.
Big changes
The French midfielder has been ever present for the Black Cats since his loan move from Rubin Kazan back in the summer, with 25-year-old taking part in all four of the fixtures over the two-week festive period too.
The effects have proved difficult to deal with for Frenchman too, who is acclimatising to his first season without a winter break, having spent all his career in European leagues with mid-season pauses.
His fitness levels have also been put to the test, with him playing just 12 games in 12 months prior to making the move Wearside.
Feeling fresh
To help boost energy levels after the crucial 3-1 victory over fellow strugglers Aston Villa, M’Vila, along with first-team regulars, were given time off before making a return to training on Wednesday.
The Frenchman is hopeful this will be enough to help his side in what is another tough run of fixtures, with three away matches in the space of eight days to come - against Arsenal, Swansea City and Tottenham Hotspur.
M’Vila explained to the Sunderland Echo that it was the “first time” he had played over the festive period, admitting “it’s difficult” as he hadn’t really “played much football for a year" before arriving in the North-East.
He added that it was true that he “began to feel a bit tired” over the last few matches, but with Sam Allardyce giving players time off, he hopes it will give him his “energy back”.
Welsh battle
The midfielder is likely to be one of many faces rested for the trip to Arsenal in the third round of FA Cup this weekend, ahead of their crucial bottom-of-the-table clash with Swansea on Wednesday.
Their victory against Villa was their first in five and a win against fourth-bottom Swansea can bring them within a point of Alan Curtis’ side.
M’Vila said that it was “fantastic” that they got victory over Remi Garde’s side and that it should give the side “more confidence.” Now, he believes they can “close the gap a bit further” with a win on Wednesday.
Sunderland will take on Arsenal at the Emirates on Saturday 9 January, with kick-off at 3PM BST.