Arsene Wenger has revealed that Alexis Sanchez will not be fit enough to feature in Arsenal's FA Cup encounter with Sunderland on Saturday.

The 27-year-old has been out with a hamstring injury since the end of November and had been tipped to feature at the Emirates this weekend.

"The bad news of the week is that Alexis is not quite ready," Wenger told the club's website. "It is a precaution because of his hamstring, and it takes a few more days. He's not bad but he's not ready."

The news means that Sanchez, who managed six goals in 12 games before suffering his injury, could now make his return in the crucial midweek league clash at Liverpool on January 13.