Arsenal to check fitness of Alexis Sanchez

Arsenal will assess forward Alexis Sanchez on his return from international duty with Chile, but look set to again have to do without playmaker Santi Cazorla for Saturday’s trip to Manchester United.

Sanchez is flying back to London after scoring twice as Chile beat Uruguay 3-1 in their World Cup qualifier in Santiago to get their World Cup back on track.

The forward, though, had missed the 0-0 draw against Colombia in Barranquilla after suffering a hamstring problem — with Gunners’ boss Arsene Wenger warning it would be a “suicidal decision” to play him and risk further injury.

Sanchez, who has scored eight goals for Arsenal this season, will be checked over by the Arsenal medical staff as Wenger looks to fine tune preparations for Saturday’s crucial lunchtime kick-off at Old Trafford.

While the Gunners will be hoping to have Sanchez available, the player having posted an upbeat message on his social media accounts ahead of the Uruguay game, midfielder Cazorla is not expecting to be involved this weekend. Cazorla has not featured since picking up an Achilles injury during the 6-0 Champions League win over Ludogorets at the Emirates Stadium on October 19.

Speaking to Spanish radio station Cadena COPE, Cazorla confirmed his return was not imminent.

“I still don’t know the exact time. I am trying to return as soon as soon as possible to be with the team again, but I cannot say if it will be soon or if I still have a few weeks left,” he said.

Wenger will be hoping for a clean bill of health from all of his returning internationals, having lost the services of forward Lucas Perez to an ankle injury just ahead of the international break..

Mesut Ozil was not involved in Germany’s line-up for their 0-0 draw against Italy in Milan on Tuesday.