Arsene Wenger reveals Alexis Sanchez ruled out until New Year

Alexis Sanchez is expected to be back in the second week of January

 

ALEXIS SANCHEZ will not be back for Arsenal before the New Year, Arsene Wenger has confirmed.

 

The Gunners earned a hard-fought victory over Manchester City this evening, running out 2-1 winners with goals from Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott.

The win was made all the more impressive as they got over the line without their star man Sanchez.

 

And they will have to get used to winning without him, with Wenger confirming the Chile international will not be back until at least the second week of January.

"It was a very intense game, with both teams giving everything," he said.

 

"We always looked dangerous. We got great goals in the first half and we became shaky at 2-1.

"We knew how big this game was, Theo Walcott scored a fantastic goal which surprised Joe Hart and it put us on the way.

"Olivier Giroud is influential in every game. We missed chances, that's the fear you have. When you see Wilfried Bony and Jesus Navas coming on you know they can make a difference.

 

"Yaya Toure, I have known him since he was 15 years old and he can play in every position. He has scored so many late goals but this one is one of the exceptional ones.

"It is too early to talk about the title but we are up there. It gives us confidence. I believe we have a very strong spirit, there is life in the team.

"Alexis Sanchez will not be back until the 10th of January or so."