Arsene Wenger insists Alexis Sanchez is still committed to Arsenal despite leaving the Chilean on the bench for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg clash with Chelsea.
Sanchez looks increasingly likely to leave the Emirates before the January window closes, with Manchester City ramping up their efforts to sign him after Gabriel Jesus picked up an injury.
Although Wenger was adamant contract rebel Sanchez would not be sold, he now seems increasingly resigned to cashing in rather than risk losing him for nothing next summer, with City offering around £25m.
Speculation ramped up further when he left Sanchez out of his starting XI to take on Chelsea on Wednesday, despite the Gunners being ravaged by injuries and missing several first team players.
Speaking shortly before kick-off, Wenger told Sky Sports: ‘Well you know you cannot explain every single decision. That’s the decision of the day.
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‘Of course he’s completely focused and has given a lot recently and he’s ready to come on and play a part in this game.’
Sanchez has only been out-scored by Alexandre Lacazette among the Arsenal squad this season, while fellow contract rebel Mesut Ozil was missing from Arsenal’s squad entirely for the trip to Stamford Bridge and is believed to be suffering from a knee injury.
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