Why Arsenal Should Not Risk Alexis Against City! by AT
Going into the crucial top of the table clash against Manchester City, Arsenal sit in second place, just a point above the opponents we will be welcoming to the Emirates. With just hours to go before kick off, the question on everybody’s mind is whether Alexis Sanchez will be fit enough to make the match day squad for the visit of the former champions.
The Chilean international has not featured for Arsenal since hobbling off against Norwich three weeks ago, but now seems to be in contention to face City thanks to a speedy rehabilitation process aided by the physio of the Chilean national team. According to what the Gunners boss Arsene Wenger said in his last press conference, the former Barcelona man is yet to return to full training. So should Arsenal risk their star player against City?
In my opinion, I think Arsenal should play it safe and save him for Southampton. While I do understand that this is probably the biggest Premier League game so far this season for the Gunners, I really don’t think that risking Alexis would be wise. With the hectic Christmas schedule fast approaching, Arsenal simply cannot afford another setback on the injury front, especially if it’s Sanchez!
Looking at Arsenal’s wide options, Theo Walcott has just recently returned from injury, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain isn’t really in the best of form at the moment and Joel Campbell is still getting used to playing in the Premier League. With that being said, I think our Chilean maestro should be eased back into the side and not be risked against City.
Even if he’s on the bench, it will be difficult for Wenger to resist the temptation to throw him on should the situation demand it. Personally, I believe Arsenal have what it takes to beat City without Alexis Sanchez. Manuel Pellegrini’s side have been woeful away from home and I firmly believe that with the right tactics and work rate, we can see off City and keep the wheels moving on the quest for the title.
Anurag