Cautious Arsene Wenger rules Arsenal ace out of Liverpool clash

ARSENE WENGER admits he is being “cautious” over the reintroduction of Alexis Sanchez because he cannot afford to lose him again this season.

 

Alexis Sanchez is close to returning for Arsenal

 

The Chile international damaged his hamstring against Norwich in November and has been frustratingly close to a return for a number of games.

But having already written him out of Wednesday’s trip to Anfield to face Liverpool, Wenger suggested there was only a “chance” he would be ready to face Stoke on Sunday.

 

“Liverpool will come too soon for Alexis Sanchez but he may be back for Stoke,” Wenger said.

“He’s always keen to play but if you listen to Alexis, he’s always keen to play even when injured.

 

“We try to be cautious, but with a muscular injury you never know how big the risk is. But he’s very very close.”

Ironically, Sanchez’s absence has coincided with an upsurge in Arsenal’s form, with the Gunners winning all bar one of the eight game Sanchez has missed.

However, a goal ratio of nine goals in the 18 games he has managed to play will be vital for the run-in to the title race.