Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger revealed in a pre-match press conference that he is unsure whether Alexis Sanchez will make a return from injury in time for Sunday’s trip to the Britannia Stadium.
The English Premier League leaders have been without the Chilean superstar since November 29 after coming down with a hamstring injury during the 1-1 draw away to Norwich.
The Gunners have fared well in the former Barca ace’s absence, climbing to the top of the table, but will be eager to welcome the 26-year-old back to the first-team as they battle Leicester and Man City for the league crown.
Wenger claims that Sanchez remains an injury doubt, though he does hold a chance of making the weekend clash should he show signs of recovery up until Sunday.
However, the long-serving Frenchman admits that he remains wary over gambling on the 2015 Copa America winner’s fitness once again, saying:
"The question mark is about Sanchez, he has two decisive days – Friday and Saturday.
"He is fit and has worked very hard. The decision we have to take is whether to take a gamble on his injury."
The Gunners’ last game saw them throw away a 3-2 lead to draw with Liverpool courtesy of a last-minute equalizer.
The result saw Leicester draw level with the north London giants, though Arsenal lead by a superior goal difference.
However, since then, Arsenal have welcomed new signing Mohamed Elneny to the Emirates Stadium, a player who will add much needed cover to the injury-ravaged squad.
The Egyptian midfielder is in contention to make his Arsenal debut against Stoke, as revealed by Wenger.
Wenger says Elneny is available for selection, Sanchez has 2 days to prove if he's ready for a "gamble on his fitness". No other injuries
— John Cross (@johncrossmirror) January 15, 2016
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