Callum Wilson will be in need of a rest soon as Newcastle United's festive programme cranks up in the next few days - according to Steve Bruce.
The £20million man has carried Newcastle this season at times and the Magpies would be in a grim relegation battle without him.
But with three high octane Premier League matches to come in seven days, and a now season-defining FA Cup trip to Arsenal swiftly to follow at the Emirates Stadium, Bruce must get his priorities right as he battles for his future.
Man City are first up, quickly followed by Liverpool and then a new year clash with Leicester.
Bruce said: "That's a worry and a concern for us, of course.
"We know how crucial he is to us.
"It's four games in 10 games and to keep going and going, is very difficult.
"There will come a point where we have to give him a break."
Bruce will hope to have Federico Fernandez back up and running for the encounter at Manchester City after the centre-back was left out against Brentford due to post-Covid fatigue.
Bruce added: "We will see how he is but I sincerely hope so. But he was obviously very fatigued after real soreness of his muscles.
"He was in no fit state to play.
"I don't think I have worked with a better pro than Fede.
"So for him to have the effects just goes to show that it affects different people in different ways.
"I hope to at least have him back because we have been a little bit short at the moment."
Ciaran Clark is another who will come under consideration for rest over the festive period.
Bruce said: "I can't speak highly enough of him and what he's done.
"He has played four games in 10 days.
"Since coming back after a year out.
"Ciaran was arguably our best player the other night, he has done fantastically well."
And when asked why Paul Dummett did not play against Brentford, Bruce said: "He had recovered after one game in one year.
"Physically, he wasn't right."
