Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira has revealed he is planning to ask Arsene Wenger for a break from action as he desperately needs a rest.
Vieira looked to be tired at the World Cup but, despite France's early exit from the tournament, he is still fatigued after playing in the Gunners' first five league games of this season.
The Frenchman does already have an enforced rest coming up on September 21st due to a one-match suspension following his red card against Chelsea, while he could face a further ban after being charged with swearing at referee Andy D'Urso.
However, he said he is "unnerved" by his current form despite the team's encouraging start to the season. Vieira told the Evening Standard: "I'm not just tired, I'm cooked. I can hardly stand up at times.
"My back hurts, my legs hurt, I hurt everywhere. I am going to see the manager because he must give me some rest. I don't know when or how, but we have to do it quickly because the Champions League is coming and there will also soon be two matches with the French team.
"My confidence is not affected by these average performances because I know myself very well, but I do feel a bit unnerved by my form".