Arsene Wenger is pondering over the idea of starting Alexis Sanchez against Liverpool in the first game of the Premier League, which promises to be a blockbuster encounter as always. Sanchez has been on holiday since 27 June, the date of the Copa America final which Chile won against Argentina. He got injured in the final, suffering an ankle strain, and was given a much needed extended break by the boss to charge his batteries and join the squad fresh as ever to challenge for the top spot.
Trending
Wenger has stated that the Chilean is in good shape and his desire to play in every game makes him impossible to give rest to the 27-year-old. "The problem with Sanchez is to be cautious with him because it’s nearly impossible. But you know what I did, I gave him a long break because I know that this was needed for him.
“They played two Copa Americas in a row and in England you don’t have a winter break. He got an injury."
"I know as well that you give Sanchez five weeks holiday,” Wenger continued. “He will stay quiet one week and after he will start to run everywhere, and he comes back fit. I hope I got it right, that he had a good rest and regenerated a little bit, because he looks alright. We will see on Sunday."
Also read: Gabriel injury adds to Arsenal's defensive worries
He will fight with Theo Walcott for a starting spot against Liverpool on Sunday as Olivier Giroud will not be ready for the game as he was on holiday after his exploits in the Euros along with Laurent Koscielny and Mesut Ozil who will also miss the first game for the gunners. Yaya Sanogo is the only recognised striker at the club this moment with Theo Walcott himself claiming that he wants to play on the flanks next season.
Alexis Sanchez has had very little rest over the past two seasons aa a result of the consecutive Copa Americas he has had to play for Chile combined with no winter break in England. Arsenal is heavily dependent on the likes of Sanchez and Ozil as Arsene Wenger faces a huge test to maintain their fitness levels and keep them fit for the entirety of the 2016-17 season.
