Manchester United: Bastian Schweinsteiger to be rested by Germany during international break

Manchester United have received a massive fitness boost with Bastian Schweinsteiger likely to be rested by Germany national team manager Joachim Low during the international break to compensate for the lack of winter break in the Premier League. Arsenal and Real Madrid midfielders Mesut Ozil and Toni Kroos are also expected to be given a pass on the friendlies against France and Netherlands to keep them fit for the deluge of fixtures ahead.

German publication Kicker reveals Sami Khedira and Benedict Howedes' long term injuries mean that the Germans are slightly short in the midfield department from the assortment of players who played a part in their 2014 World Cup winning campaign. Moreover, the punishing schedule in the Premier League and the La Liga in December is likely to take a lot out of these players. This can play a part in their ability to stay fit till the end of the campaign and thus affect Germany's chances in Euro 2016.

Schweinsteiger has made 13 starts for United already this season in all competitions, which given his injury record is a good return for the 30-year-old. Moreover, it would be his first year in the Premier League without a winter break, which will put massive pressure on his ability to run the course of the season.

On the other hand, Ozil has made 17 starts thus far and has accounted himself well this season, notching up nine assists in the league, more than anyone in Europe's top flight. Arsene Wenger will be pleased to hear about Low's intentions given his current injury record, which had him take the field against Bayern Munich without 10 first team players. The Gunners have the second worst injury record in the Premier League behind Newcastle United, who have 12 players out injured.

The Red Devils managed to break a long drawn goal scoring drought in all competitions, which extended beyond 400 minutes with a goal by club captain Wayne Rooney that saw them go top of the group and within reach of a place in the knockout stages. Meanwhile, the Gunners found themselves on the wrong side of a battering by Bayern Munich, who shipped five past them at the Allianz Arena.