Alexis Sanchez to Miss Arsenal West Ham Game, Confirms Arsene Wenger

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed attacking superstar Alexis Sanchez will miss the side's opening 2015-16 Premier League match with West Ham United.

Continue for updates.

---

Sanchez Timeline Revealed

Friday, Aug. 7

"In 10 days he should be alright," Wenger told reporters ahead of Arsenal's clash with West Ham, per James Olley of the London Evening Standard. 

The Gunners host their London rivals on Sunday, but Sanchez's tiring role in Chile's Copa America win ensures he will be given extra time to recuperate.

Wenger had anticipated his star's absence for a while, telling reporters on July 14, per ESPN FC: "He'll be back with us on Aug. 3 and it takes about three weeks to [be] competitive. He'll miss our first game."

Clive Rose/Getty Images

Sanchez scored 16 and assisted eight for Arsenal in his debut campaign, per WhoScored.com. He is a tireless worker who never seems to stop running. He came close to burnout at the busiest points of last season but rarely allowed his quality to dip.

It's important Sanchez spends time resting after a dramatic Copa America—in which he scored the winning penalty against Argentina—because many will expect great things of his second season with the Gunners.

Arsenal finished third in the Premier League last season, largely thanks to a 10-game unbeaten run between Feb. 10 and May 11. Although the Gunners concluded their campaign with one win from their final three matches, Wenger is hoping to reclaim the spark which led his side to an excellent post-Christmas run.