Alexis Sanchez will start against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final this evening despite Manchester City closing in on the Chilean international.

Arsene Wenger wants to play his strongest available team against Chelsea in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final. According to the Guardian, that will see Alexis Sanchez named in the starting line-up despite being subject to a £20m bid from Manchester City.

There is fresh uncertainty about Alexis’ short-term future after City decided to push ahead with their plans to sign him.  The Chilean’s services are still in need as Mesut Ozil has been ruled out of the game with an injury.

In addition, Arsenal are under even more pressure to secure a positive result after Nottingham Forest knocked them out of the FA Cup. Wenger’s side do have previous when it comes to playing players on the verge of leaving.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain started at Anfield earlier in the season just days before he ended up joining Liverpool. Wenger has insisted that City haven’t made contact for his star man. In his mind, Arsenal still need Alexis and will continue to use him so long as he is physically an Arsenal player.