Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor could be rested for Saturday’s Premier League game at Bolton Wanderers after leading the line all season, manager Arsene Wenger said on Friday.

Adebayor has shouldered the scoring burden after injuries to Dutchman Robin van Persie and Croat Eduardo da Silva.

The Togo forward has met expectations by grabbing 23 goals but has netted only once in his last eight. “I believe he has given a lot this year and that he would need a little breather, maybe,” Wenger said. “He has played a lot on his own up front and has had to fight very hard.”

“At the moment, to refresh him a bit would do him some good. I have Bendtner there, I have Van Persie coming back. But he (Adebayor) is an important player in our squad.

13-game winning streak

Manchester United, who are five points clear of Chelsea at the top of the standings and seeking to move to within one of Liverpool’s record 18 championships, host Aston Villa on Saturday. United have already beaten Villa twice this season and are on a 13-game winning streak against the club.