Toure fears burn-out

Ivory Coast ace worried at hectic African schedule

By James Pearson   Last updated: 3rd February 2008

Kolo Toure Ivory Coast

Toure: Burn-out fears

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Arsenal defender Kolo Toure fears burn-out come the end of the season following an exhausting Africa Cup of Nations.

Toure is currently in Ghana trying to help Ivory Coast, who are in the quarter-finals of the competition, become African champions.

Should The Elephants go all the way it would mean many of their players featuring in six games in just under three weeks, although Toure did miss their final group clash against Mali with a groin strain.

Toure has no problem with the schedule, but, with Arsenal competing for three trophies, he fears fatigue may set in for the end of season run in.

Concern

"It is a concern that if we get to the final or the third-place match I will go back to London after being involved in five games in about 18 days," he told the News of the World.

"I have done this before but these are tough and physical games in a knockout competition.

"Later rounds may have extra-time and it will be very hot. That is not ideal considering the schedule we have ahead of us at Arsenal.

"We are going for the Premier League and we also have hopes in the Champions League and the FA Cup."

Although Toure was a regular prior to departing for Ghana he does not expect to walk back into Arsene Wenger's side.

"I believe I will have to fight for my place in the team," he continued.

"I can't just expect to walk back in because I have played a lot of games in a short time for my country."