Arsenal FC manager Arsene Wenger has revealed the team news ahead of the Monday night clash against Liverpool FC. Alexis Sanchez, who started against Crystal Palace, is close to full fitness.
Arsenal FC will be looking to field the same starting XI which worked hard to register the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. The Gunners were beaten at home by West Ham in their opening game at the Emirates and will be looking to win their first home game of the season.
Jack Wilshere, Danny Welbeck and Tomas Rosicky missed the trip to Selhurst Park and none of them will be available for the Monday night clash. Speaking in his pre-match press conference, as quoted by the club’s official website, Wenger said:
“We have nobody back from the players who did not play against Crystal Palace. All of the players who were available at Crystal Palace should be available on Monday night.
Wilshere playing before the international break is a bit too optimistic – Wenger .
Wilshere has been sidelined with a hairline fracture in his fibula, sustained before the Community Shield clash against Chelsea FC. Wenger is of the opinion that the English international will only be available after the international break.
“[Playing before the international break] is a bit too optimistic, ita s too early to think he would be playing for England. After the international break he has a chance, but before the international break he has no chance.”
Wenger also commented on Chilean superstar Alexis Sanchez, who returned to training in early August after been granted extended holidays for his participation in the Copa America winning campaign of Chile. Sanchez was not fully-fit for the clash against Crystal Palace, but started nonetheless, and was rusty during the game but scored the winning goal. However, Wenger feels that the former FC Barcelona winger will be fully fit for the clash against Liverpool FC.
“On Monday night he will not be short of full fitness. Ita s surprising because when he has not got the basic fitness required, he has the mental resources to dig deep and be combative to fight. He also has the talent.”