Wenger: Sanchez 'should be available' for Liverpool tilt

Arsene Wenger is ready to reintroduce Alexis Sanchez to first-team affairs following Arsenal's 1-0 defeat at Stoke City on Saturday.

There's debate over whether Sanchez's absence was an attempt to keep him out of the spotlight amid links to Manchester City or due to what Wenger described as a "little muscular strain," but his return to the senior fold should be gratefully welcomed after disappointment in the Potteries.

The Gunners weren't particularly convincing in their season opener too, claiming a late 4-3 win over a Leicester City side which was in the ascendancy for much of the encounter.

"If all goes well through the week, he should be available to be selected for the next game, yes," Wenger said of Sanchez, according to ESPN FC.

Continuing a popular narrative among English pundits, Steven Gerrard and ex-Arsenal defender Martin Keown criticised Mesut Ozil's input in the loss at Stoke. The German maestro's attitude and performance was questioned, despite him producing more key passes (four) than anyone else on the park.

"I think he did fight," Wenger said in defence of his midfielder. "It is difficult to single anybody out. I believe we had many, many chances and personally I don't think he deserves (criticism)."

Sanchez and Ozil combined for 19 assists and 32 goals in Premier League play last season, and it would give Arsenal fans a huge boost if both were included in the starting lineup at Liverpool next Sunday.