Facing the press on Thursday morning, Arsène Wenger confessed that Alexis Sánchez has a chance of returning on Monday night.
The Chilean has missed Arsenal’s last three games after suffering a hamstring injury in a 1-1 draw at Norwich, but he could be back for the huge game against Manchester City.
As well as Alexis, the boss said there could be another return, who we assume is Mikel Arteta.
TEAM NEWS: “There is one or two possible comebacks. @Alexis_Sanchez is a possibility, he is running.” Watch LIVE: https://t.co/fh4FyeG5tv
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) December 17, 2015
The boss is clearly to take Alexis’ own word for his fitness, but said he has to trust the player. It seems pretty clear that he will want to return, and having him back would be a large boost for the whole team. Joel Campbell has done well lately, but he’s not Alexis Sánchez.
There are also no new setbacks from the game against Aston Villa on Sunday, so the boss will have a fairly strong squad to select his side from. Though he is not in full training yet, it wouldn’t come as too much of a shock to anyone if Alexis was ready to face City.
Manchester City are just a point behind Arsenal and will have striker Sergio Agüero back after he returned to training on Wednesday.