Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Alexis Sanchez will return to first-team training on Sunday just prior to the Gunners’ Emirates Cup meeting against Sevilla.
The Chile international has been offered an extended break following his Confederations Cup exploits, but he is due to report for training alongside German teammate Shkodran Mustafi.
Sanchez’s future has attracted plenty of attention with his contract due to expire in a year’s time but Wenger is adamant that the player is not for sale in the transfer window.
Speaking on Arsenal Player, Wenger confirmed both Sanchez and Mustafi will return to training on Sunday while the former could get a runout against the Andalusian club if required.
“Alexis and Mustafi, their first training session will be on Sunday, the day we play against Sevilla [in the Emirates Cup]. They are practicing on the day,” he said.
“Of course it depends as well on what is the need in the squad, what is their quality. All of these things together make your decision. Do you put them on the bench when they are not ready [to start]? It is easier to put a striker on the bench than a defender, sometimes. Because in a short period they can make an impact. We’ll see.”
The 28-year-old has recently iterated his desire to play in next season’s Champions League, but Wenger nevertheless remains confident of keeping his star performer as he believes the Premier League holds a bigger priority than the European competition.
The likes of Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain have been credited with an interest in Sanchez, but the Chilean’s return to pre-season training could suggest that he could stay put for next season at the least.
Sanchez amassed 30 goals and assisted further 15 across all competitions for Arsenal last term, and his influence could be key to ending the club’s long-wait for the Premier League crown.
The Community Shield does not hold much importance in terms of the trophy count, but Wenger would surely want Sanchez fit to participate against Chelsea on August 6.
