Alexis Sanchez is taking a little while to get back to form this season after his late involvement in the Copa America tournament and Wenger has admitted that perhaps he did play him before the forward was fully fit.

After returning to training late after Chile won the Copa America final, no one expected Alexis to be involved in the opening stages of our season. However, a shocking 2-0 loss at home to West Ham in our first Premier League match saw Wenger bring on the 26-year-old, who was barely able to keep up with the game.

It was painful to watch and Gooners were understandably a tad confused about the forward being brought on. It was then expected that the Chilean would take a bit more time out to regain his fitness. However, he’s been pretty heavily involved since and has made eight appearances in total.

Wenger has admitted that his hasty return so soon after the break is probably one of the reasons for his not-so-good form at the moment.

“I played him very early before he was completely fit, physically,” Wenger said. “That is one explanation [for his form].

“The second is that every player who has won a big trophy with his national team takes some while to settle and come back to his best. These are the two main explanations for me.

Wenger added, “I think he has had 31 shots on goal since the start of the season and with his finishing qualities that should allow him five to six goals. Knowing that the finishing is a bit linked with your form and it is a bit cyclic as well, that is where he should be at the moment.

“That will come back, I don’t worry for Alexis Sanchez. Even when he doesn’t score he is still a major threat for everybody and I am confident he will score very soon.”

I’m sure he will.