Arsenal

Arsene Wenger: 'Alexis Sanchez, Shkodran Mustafi back in training this Sunday'

By Giuseppe Labellarte, Reporter | 27 July 2017

Arsene Wenger announces that Alexis Sanchez will return to pre-season training with Arsenal on Sunday, alongside fellow Confederations Cup finalist Shkodran Mustafi.

Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Alexis Sanchez will return to pre-season training with Arsenal on Sunday.

The 28-year-old has been rumoured to be seeking a move away from the Emirates Stadium in recent months, with Paris Saint-Germain said to be keen on his services.

Wenger, however, announced that both Sanchez and Shkodran Mustafi, both of whom featured in the Confederations Cup final between Chile and Germany, will report back to the club this weekend.

The Frenchman told the official Gunners site: "Alexis and Mustafi, their first training session will be on Sunday, the day we play against Sevilla in the Emirates Cup. They are practising on the day.

"First of all you make a really good check up of where they are, how much they have worked during their break. After, once you know where you stand, they need an adjusted programme and to see how quickly you can fit them in again.

"Of course it depends as well on what is the need in the squad, what is their quality. All of these things together make your decision. Do you put them on the bench when they are not ready [to start]? It is easier to put a striker on the bench than a defender, sometimes. Because in a short period they can make an impact. We'll see."

Sanchez has one year remaining on his Arsenal contract and has stated that he longs to play Champions League football this coming season.