Sam Allardyce: Chelsea's Champions League exit PROVES Premier League needs winter break

WEST HAM boss Sam Allardyce has cited Chelsea’s Champions League exit yesterday as proof that the Premier League needs a winter break.

Sam AllardyceGETTY

Sam Allardyce calls for winter break in the Premier League

The Blues recorded a 2-2 draw with Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16 second leg home tie, meaning the French outfit went through on away goals.

But Allardyce believes the Premier League leaders would have had a better chance had they had a break over the festive period.

Allardyce said on Chelsea's exit: “I think that we don’t help ourselves with our fixture list.

“Playing as many games as we play through Christmas and New Year and not having the opportunity to shut the league down for a couple of weeks gives every club that plays in Europe a disadvantage.

“When they come back into playing in Europe they may have a considerable amount of injuries in certain areas, or fatigue and mental fatigue kicks in on players.

Arsenal v West Ham - Premier League Preview

It's bound to have an affect when other teams have had the opportunity to take a break

Sam Allardyce

“And it’s bound to have an affect when other teams have had the opportunity to take a break. So I think that has something to do with it.

The Irons manager took his side to Dubai for a warm weather break over the weekend ahead of Saturday’s trip to face Arsenal (3pm).

But Alex Song didn’t travel due to a knee injury, while Hammers new boy Nene remained in London to pick up his fitness.

Allardyce added on Song’s absence: “Well he has a little bit of a knee problem, so he was better here for treatment and fitness.

Sam AllardyceGETTY

Sam Allardyce goes head to head with Arsene Wenger on Saturday

“The same with Nene, with him just joining us he preferred to be back here and do more intense training.”

West Ham fell to a 1-0 defeat to Chelsea last time out, but Allardyce is hoping for a repeat performance at the Emirates.

He added: “For us, it’s trying to repeat the performance we gave against Chelsea - I think we need that level.

“We know the quality of player they’ve got, we know how difficult it is at the Emirates.

“We’ll go and give it our best shot, I hope the lads can play to the level they played against Chelsea.

Enner ValenciaGETTY

Enner Valencia won't feature for West Ham against Arsenal

“Having said that, as I said before the Chelsea match, we may play our very best but not get anything. And we didn’t.”

The Hammers are likely to face the Gunners without the help of summer signing Enner Valencia, who has cut his big toe in a ‘freak accident’.

When asked on any fresh injuries, Allardyce replied: “There is one, but it’s not really an injury in terms of an accident, which is Enner Valencia.

“He had an accident at home and has cut his big toe quite severely on a broken cup. So that has been stitched.

“We’re not exactly certain, but we think it may be too soon for him to be considered for this game.”

Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?