Report: 'Sick' Sanchez's return for pre-season training in doubt

There is reportedly a question mark when it comes to Alexis Sanchez and pre-season training.

Sanchez's return to Arsenal for pre-season training is in doubt as the Chilean forward is suffering from the flu, according to the Guardian's David Hytner. The South American attacker's representatives apparently contacted the Gunners to say he is laying low because of the virus.

Sanchez added a photo to Instagram in which he is frowning and included the caption: "Sick."

Arsene Wenger said on Thursday that Sanchez would be returning to training Sunday, when the Gunners play Sevilla in the Emirates Cup. The product of Cobreloa was allegedly granted an extended leave after representing Chile at the Confederations Cup, where La Roja reached the final and suffered a 1-0 loss to Germany.

Sanchez is reportedly pushing for a move away from Arsenal and wants to join Manchester City. There is apparently interest from Paris Saint-Germain, but he prefers a transfer to the Citizens and a reunion with Pep Guardiola, under who he worked at Barcelona. The Gunners allegedly offered him a weekly wage of £275,000 and insist he's not for sale, concluding that selling him for £40 million to £50 million would be a bad idea as the club would have a better chance of returning to the Champions League with him in the squad, thereby earning the £40-million revenue stream brought by the tournament.

Arsenal's first competitive game of the season is the Community Shield, which is scheduled for Aug. 6 and will see the Gunners take on Chelsea.