Sanchez To Return To Face Sunderland – But Should He Play? by AT
Arsenal have been handed a massive boost ahead of their defence of the FA Cup, as Alexis Sanchez is set to return to the squad in time for the beginning of the Gunners’ Cup campaign. The Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger confirmed the imminent return of the Chilean winger and marked down the Cup fixture against Sunderland as a potential return date.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, the Frenchman said: “I think Sanchez is still short (for Newcastle on Saturday) but he could be back in one week against Sunderland.”
Alexis has been on the sidelines since suffering a hamstring injury during the game against Norwich and while Arsenal haven’t really faltered too much during his absence, having the Chilean back is a much needed boost for the side ahead of a difficult set of fixtures in January. But should Wenger throw his star player directly into the mix against Sunderland?
Personally, I would keep him on the bench for the Cup tie against the Black Cats and save him for the Gunners’ clash against Liverpool at Anfield. The former Barcelona man is probably raring to go after more than a month on the sidelines and I firmly believe Anfield would be the perfect place for Arsene Wenger to unleash the beast.
Perhaps Wenger has to be a little careful with his Chilean star from this point. The 27-year-old’s previous injury occurred as a result of burnout, with the Gunners boss choosing to ignore repeated calls for the player to be rested. If Arsenal are going for the title this season, then surely we cannot afford another injury to Alexis.
Anurag