Alexis Sanchez Ruled Out as Arsenal F.C. Start FA Cup Defence
Alexis Sanchez missed the entire Christmas and New Year period after suffering a hamstring injury in Arsenal F.C's draw at Norwich City in November.
Manager Arsene Wenger has ruled Chile forward Alexis Sanchez out of Arsenal F.C's FA Cup third round clash with Sunderland on Saturday. (Arsenal Forward Alexis Sanchez Out For Three Weeks With Hamstring Injury)
"The bad news of the week is that Alexis is not quite ready," Wenger told Arsenal's website on Thursday. (Arsene Wenger Has 'no regrets' as Alexis Sanchez Gamble Backfires)
"It is a precaution because of his hamstring, and it takes a few more days. He's not bad but he's not ready." (Arsene Wenger Impressed by Resilient Arsenal)
Sanchez missed the entire Christmas and New Year programme after suffering a hamstring injury in Arsenal's draw at Norwich in November.
The 27-year-old was expected to make his comeback for the win over title rivals Manchester City before Christmas but suffered a setback in his recovery. (Arsene Wenger Hails Mesut Ozil, Compares Him With Dennis Bergkamp Following Arsenal F.C's Win)
In his absence, Arsenal have opened up a two-point lead at the top of the Premier League and open the defence of their FA Cup trophy against Premier League strugglers Sunderland.
Arsenal boss Wenger is not ready to rush Sanchez back into the team with crucial league fixtures to come and a UEFA Champions League tie against Sanchez's former club F.C. Barcelona on the horizon.