Arsene Wenger has said Alexis Sanchez will miss Saturday evening’s trip to face Stoke City, but may return in time for Arsenal’s meeting with Liverpool.
Alexis has been out of action with an abdominal injury which cause him to miss Arsenal’s Premier League opener with Leicester City. Prior to that, the Chilean missed the Gunners’ Community Shield triumph due to a lack of match fitness, and now supporters are going to have to wait until the end of the month to see him, according to Wenger.
Sanchez: "His recovery is going very well, he is working hard. It is a muscular strain so you have to be careful." Should be back v LFC #AFC
— Mark Mann-Bryans (@MarkyMBryans) August 16, 2017
The Arsenal boss was also asked about Alexis’ future and revealed there hadn’t been any progress on extending his deal past next summer. Wenger also added that losing him for free in 12 months comes as a consequence for not cashing in now.
"No progress" on Alexis Sanchez contract – Wenger again says letting him walk away for free is a "consequence" of not selling. #AFC
— Mark Mann-Bryans (@MarkyMBryans) August 16, 2017
He wants Alexis to honour his contract while putting forward a new deal over the course of this season.
However, there’s no guarantee it will be signed and therefore Arsenal have to plan for the inevitable. Wenger won’t sell the 28-year-old, though, and hopes Alexis has enough hunger to help Arsenal get back into the Champions League and pick up some silverware.