Arsene Wenger has been given a boost in terms of players returning from injuries as he hopes to be able to play Alexis Sanchez in their next match against the resurgent Stoke who have defeated Manchester duo as well as Chelsea over the season so far.
Sanchez had been out with a knee injury which he picked up in the 1-1 draw with Norwich City last year. He was widely expected to make the Manchester City clash but had suffered another relapse of the problem which is currently keeping him out.
This will be a major boost for the player who had scored a brace against Manchester United and had been Arsenal’s stand out performer over the course of last season.
“I will be cautious now. There is an opportunity that he will be in the squad for Sunday. He will have a definite test on Saturday and Friday and Saturday will be two important days for him. It is not impossible that he will be involved.” Was Wenger’s response when quizzed about Sanchez’s availability over the next few matches.
This will come as relief for the player who had not quite been able to make an impact like last year due to a late start for the season because of his involvement in Chile’s capture of the Copa America tournament where Sanchez was one of the standout performers.
It will also be a reprieve for Arsenal fans to see their star man come back as they had just seen their side drop vital points in his absence and would want the Gunners to create some breathing space atop the table. Also the return should be a precursor to the returns of many other crocked stars like Cazorla, Welbeck and Coquelin who have been missing the action due to serious injuries.