Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez expected to return in 10 days
Life at Arsenal without Alexis Sanchez will be over in under two weeks.
Although the Chilean superstar will miss Arsenal's season opener against West Ham United, manager Arsene Wenger said he expects Sanchez to return to action in 10 days.
Whether Sanchez returns in time for Arsenal's second match against Crystal Palace remains to be seen, with his inclusion in the squad the following week against Liverpool appearing as a more likely scenario.
"He came back in surprisingly good shape," Wenger told the team's website. "I will see (when he is ready to play). It is about my decision. Will he not be involved at all on Sunday? I don’t know yet. It depends a little bit on what I see (in training on Saturday) and who will be available."
The break for Sanchez is long overdue following two summers where he played a pivotal role for Chile in major international tournaments.
"Alexis understands perfectly well," Wenger added. "He is one of the players who played the World Cup (in 2014), came back here and played the whole season without a break, goes to the Copa America and basically cannot start the season.
"At some stage you need to give these players a rest or they get serious injuries."
Sanchez will provide a major boost upon his return, as he found the back of the net 25 times last season.