Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez forced to delay pre-season return over new visa

ALEXIS SANCHEZ was forced to spend Monday night in Paris as he waited for a new visa to be processed.

 

The Arsenal attacker has been enjoyed an extended holiday following his heroics for Chile in the Copa America last month, scoring the winning penalty against Argentina in the final.

 

Last night, the 26-year-old took to Instagram to post a picture of himself with his brother and friend close to the iconic Eiffel Tower in the French city.

 

He was scheduled to be at Arsenal's training ground in London Colney yesterday to start pre-season training and is expected to miss their season opener against West Ham on Aug 9.

Arsene Wenger said last month: "He will be back on August 3 and it usually takes three weeks to be competitive.

 

Alexis Sanchez was Arsenal's player of the year after an excellent debut season

 

"He will miss certainly the first game of the season but with Alexis, it takes a little bit less."

But Evening Standard report Sanchez stayed in Paris to pick up a new visa and state there is no issue.

 

The Chilean is expected to start training again at Colney on Wednesday.

Arsenal begin their Premier League campaign against the Hammers buoyed by a successful pre-season which culminated in them beating Chelsea 1-0 to win the Community Shield on Sunday.