Arsene Wenger Says Alexis Sanchez Absence Creates Chances For Others

Arsene Wenger thinks the absence of Alexis Sanchez creates the perfect opportunity for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Danny Welbeck to underline their claims for a regular starting place.

Sanchez has been given an extended holiday after helping Chile win their first Copa America title earlier this month when he scored the winning penalty in the final shoot-out against Argentina.

Speaking in Singapore ahead of the match against a Select XI on Wednesday, Wenger said: “He’ll be back on the 3rd of August. It usually takes about three weeks to get competitive but with Alexis it could take a little bit less.

“He will miss certainly the first game. He is an important player for us and he showed he has the winning mentality when he took on the responsibility to take the last penalty in the Copa America final against Argentina.

“Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain played the first 20 games last season and then he was injured. He’s not directly always in competition with Alexis because he plays more on the right-hand side. It is a good opportunity for him because he is not injured and pre-season will be a very important period for him.

“Danny Welbeck’s injury at the start of last season was a very minor one but he took much longer to settle than we expected.

“I expect him to develop as a central striker. Last year most of the time he played wide but if he adds goals to what he creates then he can be a very dangerous striker as well.”

SKYSPORTS